DOT highlights tourism workforce initiatives

On August 6, Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno showcased the department's pivotal initiatives for enhancing tourism human capital at the 7th Tourism Human Resource Congress in General Trias, Cavite. Her presentation focused on the Philippine Tourism Human Capital Development Plan (PTHCDP) 2021-2025, outlining the DOT's strategic efforts to nurture a skilled and world-class workforce for the tourism industry.

Asec. Bueno emphasized the importance of the PTHCDP's key components, which include advancing the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Tourism Professionals, addressing future human capital needs, fostering collaboration, increasing investments in tourism training, and promoting sustainable tourism education. These initiatives aim to ensure that the Philippines continues to develop competent professionals who can enhance the country’s standing as a premier global tourism destination.

A significant highlight of Bueno's presentation was the success of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program. Under the leadership of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, this program has trained over 200,000 tourism workers, significantly improving service quality and earning the Training Program of the Year award at the GovMedia Awards in Singapore.

Additionally, Asec. Bueno discussed ongoing projects such as the Sustainable Tourism Education Program - Upgrading Projects (STEP-UP) and pilot training sessions like the Tourism Kulinarya Training in Lingayen, Pangasinan, which is part of the Balikbayani sa Turismo program in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). These initiatives demonstrate the DOT's commitment to fostering a culture of service excellence among tourism stakeholders.

In another key presentation, Warner Andrada, Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary of the Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research, and Information Management (OTDPRIM), addressed the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028. His talk outlined the DOT's 7-point agenda and its focus on Connectivity, Convenience, and Quality.

OIC Asec. Andrada presented impressive growth metrics, including a 12.09% increase in visitor arrivals and a 32.81% rise in tourism receipts during the first half of 2024. He highlighted major strategies for improving tourism infrastructure, enhancing digital connectivity, and elevating the overall tourist experience. Andrada also underscored the importance of equitable tourism product development, ensuring that all regions benefit from the sector's growth and enhancements.

Both presentations underscored the DOT's ongoing efforts to position the Philippines as a leading global tourism destination through strategic workforce development and sector-wide improvements.