DOT trains Virgin Island service providers on ‘Filipino brand of service’

THE Department of Tourism, in coordination with the Bohol Tourism Office and the Municipality of Panglao, conducted on Wednesday, Aug. 10, training on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) to service providers operating in Virgin Island in Panglao, Bohol.

Initiated by the DOT upon receiving information on the alleged overpricing of food served to tourists in the island, the training was attended by a total of 34 participants comprising food stall owners and their staff, as well as representatives of the Panglao Island Protected Seascape Protected Area Management Board.

It can be recalled that Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced plans to facilitate an inter-agency technical working group that aims to strengthen the capacity of micro entrepreneurs to provide quality tourism services.

The FBSE, a banner program of the DOT, has been conducted for individuals, small and medium enterprises and world-recognized establishments serving the tourist market, according to the tourism chief.

“We are grateful to our participants for showing the willingness to learn and partake in a tourism industry that is sustainable, inclusive and socially responsible. We also thank our partners from the public sector, particularly the Bohol Tourism Office and the Municipality of Panglao for partnering with the DOT in order to uplift the service delivery of tourism workers in Virgin Island. Through this program, we hope to to develop a service excellence culture among tourism stakeholders in the island,” said Frasco.

Meanwhile, the participants acknowledged the need to improve service delivery and expressed appreciation for the effort extended by program facilitators. The seminar was capped off by the participants’ recitation of a pledge signifying their commitment to uphold FBSE as they carry out their duties.