Empowering Excellence : Upgrading Skills Training for Tour Guides in Boracay.

Boracay Island- The Department of Tourism (DOT), through the Office of Human Capital Development, in partnership with DOT Region VI, successfully conducted the five-day Upgrading Skills for Tour Guides training seminar from March 16–20, 2026, at Belmont Hotel Boracay.

The program aimed to enhance the competencies of tour guides in preparation for welcoming international visitors, particularly in anticipation of the ASEAN Summit. It focused on equipping participants with updated knowledge, refined guiding techniques, and a deeper understanding of diverse tourist profiles to ensure the delivery of accurate, engaging, and culturally sensitive information.

A roster of distinguished speakers shared their expertise on various essential topics. Ms. Hazel V. Habito Javier discussed Tourism Trends and Market Profiles, highlighting the preferences and behaviors of international tourists. This was followed by a Boracay Tourism Overview by Mr. Rechan Casidsid, and a session on Tourism Statistics and ASEAN Hosting 2026 by Ms. Jem Turla.

Participants also gained insights into Tour Packaging from Ms. Claribel Casimero, Philippine History from Mr. Juan Paolo M. Calamlam, and Regional Highlights with a focus on Boracay from Prof. Danilo H. Claros. Further enriching the program were discussions on Understanding Muslim Travelers by Mr. Joegen Dizon and Marine Environmental Protection by Mr. Ramil Marin.

To reinforce learning, participants underwent a “Show and Tell” session, where their guiding skills were evaluated by a panel of raters composed of Ms. Nelia Aron, Ms. Elke De Sullan Ginggaray, and Ms. Edrena M. Cruz, providing constructive feedback to further enhance their performance.

The training culminated in a Practical Examination through an actual Island Tour on the final day, assessed by Ms. Celeen Denise Sazon, Ms. Claribel D. Casimero, and Ms. Julyday C. Dulay. This hands-on activity allowed participants to demonstrate their knowledge and guiding skills in a real-world setting.

The entire training program was spearheaded by Training Coach Dr. Reynaldo A. Jorda, whose guidance ensured a comprehensive and impactful learning experience for all participants.

This initiative underscores the Department of Tourism’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of local tour guides, promoting service excellence, and ensuring that Boracay continues to provide world-class tourism experiences.

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