DOT honors outstanding contributors to Filipino service excellence program

The Department of Tourism (DOT) held the FBSE Recognition and Awarding Program to honor individuals and institutions driving the success of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Summit 2025.

Held at the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, the awarding ceremony marked the culmination of this year’s FBSE Summit, paying tribute to various stakeholders who have contributed to strengthening the country’s tourism workforce and promoting Filipino hospitality.

DOT Undersecretary Maria Rica Bueno, representing Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, commended the awardees for their critical role in embedding service excellence within the tourism sector.

“Today, we gather not just to celebrate achievements but to honor the individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond in making FBSE a transformative platform that enriches Filipino culture and daily life,” said Bueno in her address.

Awards were given across several categories, including:

• FBSE Enterprise Award for companies training at least 90% of their workforce

• FBSE Government Partner Award for local government units that institutionalized FBSE

• FBSE Partner Award for institutions supporting FBSE implementation

• FBSE Academe Partner Award for schools integrating FBSE into curricula

• FBSE Pasasalamat Award for Master and Regional Trainers

• FBSE Advocate Award to Region 11 (Davao Region), which trained the most individuals in 2024 (11,324)

• FBSE Regional Award for top-performing DOT Regional Offices in training outreach

To date, more than 322,000 tourism workers nationwide have received training under the FBSE program, according to the DOT.

“You are the champions of this brand—the living embodiment of excellence,” Bueno added. “To our FBSE Coaches and Trainers, maraming salamat for your steadfast devotion in bringing FBSE to every corner of the Philippines.”

DOT officials in attendance included Undersecretaries Myra Paz Abubakar and Ferdinand Jumapao, Assistant Secretaries Judilyn Quiachon, Czarina Zara-Loyola, and Ronald Conopio, as well as several regional and central office directors.

The FBSE program remains a key strategy of the DOT in strengthening workforce capabilities, enhancing service standards, and boosting the country's tourism competitiveness.