For overseas Filipino workers, coming home is often measured not just in miles traveled, but in moments regained with family. The government hopes tourism can help make those reunions more meaningful.
A new heritage initiative called “Pasyal Pamilya” is turning Intramuros into a cultural homecoming hub for OFWs and returning migrant workers, blending historical immersion with family bonding in one of Manila’s most iconic destinations.
Launched jointly by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Migrant Workers, and the Intramuros Administration, the week-long program offers free guided tours and access to heritage attractions for OFWs and their families until May 31.
More than a sightseeing campaign, tourism officials are positioning the initiative as an emotional and cultural reconnect program aimed at strengthening Filipinos’ ties to their roots after years spent working abroad.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the project was designed to recognize the sacrifices of migrant workers while creating shared experiences that families can remember long after the tours end.
“‘Pasyal Pamilya’ is our way of honoring the sacrifices of our Overseas Filipino Workers and returning migrant workers by giving them and their families meaningful experiences in Intramuros,” she said.
The initiative also supports the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, which promotes more inclusive and culturally grounded tourism experiences while reinforcing national identity and appreciation for Philippine heritage under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The program opened on May 25
with 35 OFWs and 24 family members from Metro Manila and nearby provinces touring landmarks such as Fort Santiago and the Centro de Turismo Intramuros.
Timed ahead of National Migrant Workers’ Day on June 7, the campaign highlights how heritage tourism is increasingly being used not only as an economic driver, but also as a way to rebuild cultural ties and strengthen family connections.
Eligible participants may bring up to four companions upon presenting a valid Overseas Employment Certificate or OWWA membership ID.
