Envisioning to provide guests and tourists with the best experience and memories of their visit to the ‘beautiful’ province of Davao Oriental, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said she wants to conduct more training focused on hospitality and tourism. These sets of training are geared to further help equip and capacitate staff of tourist establishments such as hotels and resorts with the necessary skills to improve the province’s tourism sector.
During a meeting yesterday, November 9, with the representatives of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Governor underscored that she wants tourism establishments in the province to provide quality services and meet international standards that are at par with other neighboring countries.
TESDA XI Acting Regional Director Remegias Timonio assured the Governor that TESDA’s trainings are based on the standards of the ASEAN countries following TESDA’s Mutual Arrangement among ASEAN countries.
Director Timonio presented to Governor Malanyaon the agency’s programs, particularly those involving tourism and hospitality such as National Certificates for Housekeeping, Food and Beverage Services, Bread and Pastry Production, and Commercial Cooking, Cookery, and Front Office Services, among others.
The agency also mentioned trainings in hotel management which is among the crucial services needed in the province amidst the steady increase of tourist arrivals post-pandemic.
Director Timonio said his agency will work with the provincial government through its Public Employment Services Office (PESO) in identifying potential scholars and programs that will best complement the province’s development direction.
Governor Malanyaon underscored the importance of these trainings as the province plans to launch its massive tourism campaign early next year which involves organizing tourism loops. As part of its preparation, the province has been rehabilitating tourist landmarks and building new ones. In addition, talks with the national flag carrier Philippine Airlines in scheduling flights in the province’s capital city of Mati are currently ongoing.
Above everything else, while the province is setting favorable conditions for tourism, she hopes that through these efforts, the private sector will follow suit in improving their services to guests and visitors. She also stressed the need of requiring accreditation of these tourism facilities.
Governor Malanyaon, who banks on the province’s rich natural resources and world-class tourist destinations as a key economic driver, emphasized the need to establish a friendly and professional tourism sector that will complement the beauty of the province of Davao Oriental. KLD |Photos by Mark Oliver Alvite
