In anticipation of the influx of tourists this summer, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO) announced Tuesday the hiring of tourism aides, including senior citizens and out-of-school youths (OSY).

According to Senior Tourism Operations officer Xavier Ruiz, the Ilocos Norte Summer Tourism Operations Employment Program is open to all 18- to 64-year-olds who will serve as tourism ambassadors, utility personnel, and senior citizen guides.

“There are 320 slots available and each will earn a salary of PHP365 per day for 11 days,” said Ruiz, adding that there will be four batches in order to “spread the butter”.

For interested applicants, an online application form can be downloaded at — https://tinyurl.com/INTO-summer — along with the submission of Barangay Clearance, Medical Certificate from the Local Health Office, and valid identification card.

Deadline for the submission of applications to the INTO is on March 7, 2021.

Every year, the provincial government is hosting the summer employment program to provide residents an opportunity to earn and gain work experience particularly during this time of national health crisis.

Prior to deployment, each of those that would be hired has to undergo orientation seminar to promote the Ilocanos’ brand of hospitality. Part of the orientation is to train them on how to properly interact with tourists and ensure that they leave with “wonderful memories” and will look forward to coming back.

For five years now, the Ilocos Norte government continues to involve healthy senior citizens in the summer tourism employment program as they are considered the best candidates to provide accurate information on Ilocos Norte’s history and culture particularly when visiting museums here.

In the next few days, Ilocos Norte is expected to ease some Covid-19 protocols to attract more tourists and safely visit various tourism destinations. (PNA)

Photo Credit: www.pia.gov.ph