Provincial Gov’t trains frontliners for Tourism

Provincial Gov’t trains frontliners for Tourism

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., initiated an enhanced training for provincial government frontliners to further strengthen tourism initiatives through a one-day seminar for an effective and quality public service.

The seminar which was held in three batches at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center was dubbed “Tourist-Friendly Pangasinan Frontliners.”

“We are doing this because we want to serve the people. You were trained so you can appreciate the very things we are doing here, the very things that we are protecting here, this is the very essence of this training,” Gov. Espino said during the culminating rites.

Espino said he wants Pangasinenses to be the first to appreciate the workings of the provincial government even as he instilled in them the value of discipline by following regulations and doing what is right.

The activity which started on July 7 and concluded last July 9 was spearheaded by the Provincial Tourism Division co-sponsored by the Department of Tourism Region I (DOT-Region I) who provided an International Standard Organization and DOT Accredited Trainor.

Some 143 provincial employees, whose duties include providing direct frontline services to Pangasinenses, visitors and tourists, participated in training.

Among the participants were: provincial security guards assigned at the Capitol Complex, Hospitals and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), provincial bus drivers from the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) as well as employees of the Provincial Governor’s Office, Capitol Resort Hotel, Tourism Operations Division and Solid Waste Management Office.

As province’s frontliners, the training was vital in developing ways to meet the evolving needs of visitors as well as in becoming effective communicators who have direct link and service to the public.

It likewise served as gateway to enhance the frontliners’ skills and capabilities with better understanding of themselves, their attitudes and values to best serve the public.

The frontliners were also oriented on the provincial government programs, facilities and services as well as basic tourism information anchored by their commitment and passion to serve in order to attain targeted results to give meaning to the provincial slogan: “Serving You the Best Way we Can.”

Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan, Chief Tourism Operations Division, said this is part of the province tourism promotions and marketing program to attract more tourists and investors and help improve and establish good customer relations and systems that will boost the province’s economy.

According to Martin Valera, DOT Director, the training program is an opportunity to bring the government closer to the people.

Towards this end, Valera thanked the governor for his efforts on strengthening tourism efforts development and dedication to make Pangasinan great province.

It is the mission of the Pangasinan Tourism to promote responsible tourism development in the province that maximizes socio-economic growth, instills pride in culture and heritage, conserves the environment, fosters partnership among stakeholders, offers the best visitor/tourist experience and nourishes the standard of living of Pangasinenses.

In 2009, the province posted a total of 316,850 tourists and visitors. With the influx of tourist arrivals, Pangasinan is now a top tourist destination in Region I.

The significant progress in the tourism initiatives of the province marks the realization of the overall development plan of the present administration. (PIO/Chona C. Bugayong)