The Department of Tourism-Central Luzon (DOT-3) is stepping up efforts to strengthen the overall tourism experience in the region.

DOT-3 Regional Director Richard G. Daenos said on Wednesday that a series of Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) training programs are being provided to front-liners in the region’s tourism and hospitality industry to equip them with knowledge and skills on rendering good service to tourists the Filipino way.

Daenos said the DOT has been partnering with the various sectors in the industry and “this is part of the DOT-3’s goals to advocate service excellence in Central Luzon.”

Among those who already underwent training were the gateway front-liners of Clark International Airport (CRK)

“An important asset to Central Luzon tourism, CRK is known to be the gateway to Northern Philippines ready to welcome guests both local and international. Apart from its state-of-the-art facilities and newly-mounted routes, CRK now prides on its workforce empowered through the FBSE Program,” he said in a statement.

He thanked the Clark Development Corporation for taking part in the quest to champion service excellence in the tourism industry.

The DOT official likewise shared insights on how the FBSE training helped empower the boatmen of Barangay Dinadiawan, Dipaculao, Aurora as tourism front-liners.

“Kababaan ng loob. Isa po ito sa mahahalagang katangian na aming natutunan (Humility. This is one of traits that we learned),” Rafael G. Opol, a 45-year-old boatman from Barangay Dinadiawan said when asked about his major takeaway from the training.

“Responsibilidad naming ingatan ang aming mga turista at magpakita ng kabutihang asal sa lahat ng pagkakataon (It is our responsibility to take care of our tourists and show them good traits at all times),” he added.

Opol is one of the 35 lifeguards and resort staff from the said village who underwent DOT’s training.

Meanwhile, the municipal government of San Miguel, dubbed as the “Pasalubong Capital of Bulacan,” has also partnered with the DOT-3 in training its industry manpower including workers from some popular “pasalubong” or take-home centers, resorts, local cafes and other tourism enterprises. (PNA)