13 LU Guides Certified as Regional Tour Guides
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO, and Marie Jae Anndre Fronda, PIO | Photos By: DOT-RO1, Huleo’s Project, and Daryl Dacumos | Date: May 15 to June 13, 2024
La Union Tour Guides participated in the Department of Tourism-Region 1’s (DOT-RO1) training and certification program for local guides as regional tour guides from May 15 to June 13, 2024, at Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos and J&V Hotel and Resort, City of San Fernando, La Union. The Tour Guiding training also includes exploring different parts of La Union to maximize learning.
The four-week specialized training program aimed to equip the 13 LU Guides, namely Bernardino Marzo, Nathaniel Vergara, Darwin Sotelo, Donnabelle Navarro, Junaflor Mendoza, Leur Valleno, Aricia Julienne de Peralta, Jillian Eros Buddle, Julius Ray Bautista, Jesdame Joy Ocampo, Mark Andrew Aguilar, Romer Cambia, Jr., and Marinel Chan, with the essential knowledge and skills needed to offer diverse tourism experiences in the region. They are among the 27 participants in the event.
It featured resource speakers who shared their expertise on various topics such as the Philippines and the Region by Charlene Parungao; Local History and Culture by Divina Jallorina; Philippine Architecture by Rollyn Cadeliña; Heritage Sites and National Monuments by Juan Paulo Mercado; Region 1 Museums and Cultural Sites by Raymart Ramos; Philippine Geography and Region 1 Natural Heritage by Sheila Mae Capoquian of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region 1; Region 1 Tourist Security Concerns andPolice Relations by PEMS Sanny Pat T. Segismundo of the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office; Weaves of the Region/Philippines by Bernard Joseph E. Guerrero; Gender and Development by Mark Anthony B. Inocencio; Social Graces and Interpersonal Communication Skills by Henry E. Pingol; First Aid and Basic Life Support by Emeryn C. Victori; Introduction to the Tour Guiding Sector by Lorie Jane V. Rosales; and the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence and Practical Guiding Techniques by Ena Hazel Portia A. Domingo.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, through La Union Provincial Tourism Office Officer-in-Charge Julius Manabat, expressed her full support for the initiative, “Tour Guides are vital elements of the Tourism Industry for they provide information and enhance the overall tourist experience… through the tour guides, tourists become advocates of preserving our sites and the planet as a whole.” She also emphasized the importance of seeking DOT accreditation as a means to further enhance their credibility and professionalism in the tourism industry.
DOT-RO1 Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega, represented by Assistant Regional Director Evangeline M. Dadat, commended the dedication and passion shown by the guides throughout the training program. The knowledge and skills gained from the sessions will enable the guides to offer authentic and memorable tourism experiences.
With this certification, the La Union guides are poised to play a significant role in elevating the tourism industry in the province and contributing to its sustainable development.
Looking ahead in the spirit of #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan, the Provincial Government of La Union headed by Gov. Rafy, with strong support from national line agencies such as the DOT-RO1, remains committed to investing in the training and development of local guides to further strengthen the tourism offerings in La Union.
Related Photos:
