Lifestyle
๐๐๐, ๐VSU ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐๐ง ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐
Iloilo City- The Department of Tourism – Region VI and West Visayas State University (WVSU) officially sealed a meaningful collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 17, 2025, at the WVSU Board Room.
This partnership launches the extension project:
โI Speak Foreign: Breaking the Language Barrier by Equipping the Tour Guides of Aklan with the Basic Korean Language Skill, Cultural Competence, and Ethics in Communication.โ
The program is designed to empower local tour guides in Aklan by equipping them with basic Korean language skills, enhancing cultural understanding, and promoting ethical communication practices.
The ceremony opened with a welcome message from Dr. Alexander Balsomo, Dean of the WVSU College of Arts and Sciences, followed by a project presentation by Dr. Joy Pantino, Chair of the Department of Language Studies.
DOT Region VI Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez underscored the value of education, collaboration, and cultural respect in tourism:
โTourism is not just about destinationsโit is about the people who bring the experience to life. Our tour guides serve as the bridge between cultures, and by equipping them with basic Korean language skills and cultural sensitivity, we enhance the kind of welcome we extend to our visitors.โ
โThis partnership with WVSU reflects our deep belief that empowering our frontliners through education leads to a more competitive, compassionate, and globally ready tourism industry. May this be the beginning of more joint efforts that elevate not just Aklan, but the entire Western Visayas as a region of excellence, professionalism, and hospitality.โ
The event concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Sheena Balinsoy, CAS Extension Coordinator.
Through this initiative, WVSU and DOT Region VI reaffirm their shared commitment to developing tourism professionals who embody world-class service, cultural competence, and a genuine love for the Filipino identity.
