LIAS, Barlig, Mtn. Province – More than 25 participants are undergoing a ten-day Tour Guiding Training Services NC 11 in support to the bid of the municipal government to spur tourism development in the locality.
Last October 5, 2015, the training was started through a short preliminary program where representatives of the LGU and other stakeholders were present. It will culminate on October 16.
Sixto Talastas, Coordinator of the training and an employee of the Municipal Tourism Office, said that the training is funded by the municipal government and is conducted in coordination with the provincial office of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the provincial government through the Provincial Tourism Office.
Governor Leonard Mayaen caused the provision of service vehicle for the resource persons and honorarium of one trainor as the counterpart of the provincial government and as a manifestation of support to the promotion of the tourism industry in the province.
The provincial chief executive has extended other financial and technical support for the promotion of tourism development in the province. He has funded the exposure of tour guides and travel representatives to Caramoan, Camarines Sur in the hope that they would apply to the province what they will learn.
Dionnie Chungalan, a staunch tourism promotion advocate in the municipality, said in his welcome remarks the training is an opportunity for the participants and communities to prepare for the expected surge of tourists in the municipality as the only access road to and from the place is being improved.
He also cited the pending House Bill 2192 of Congressman Maximo Dalog which is entitled: “An Act Declaring the Municipality of Barlig as Tourism Development Area and Appropriating funds therefor”. The bill is now at the Senate and awaiting approval. Once approved, the law would accordingly provide development funds on tourism.
“Please consider this training seriously; considering your learning and insights in relation to local culture and practices”, Chungalan told the participants. There will be instances when the culture and practices of the people here have to be preserved and enhanced through the entertainment of tourists.
The TESDA shall also provide certificates to the participants and supervise the training and conduct of evaluation and assessment to gauge the competence of the participants to be issued NC II certificates.
The participants expressed gratitude for the training and are optimistic that they would be made competent tour guides and afforded opportunities for livelihood in the near future.
Mayor Clark Ngaya believes that the development of the municipality is hinged on the promotion of tourism in the municipality.
“Barlig depends on tourism for the alternative livelihood of the people and enhanced development of the municipality in the absence of any viable industry”, Ngaya commented.
By Roger Sacyaten
