DOT Region 2 Concludes Eco-Tour Guides Training with Rated Mock Tour in Peñablanca
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2 successfully concluded the seven-day Eco-Tour Guides Training for the Municipality of Peñablanca with a Rated Mock Tour participated in by 27 local guides at the Callao Caves, Peñablanca, Cagayan.
The Rated Mock Tour served as the culminating activity of the intensive training program, providing participants with the opportunity to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills in an actual tour-guiding environment. Each guide was evaluated based on established tourism standards, including tour delivery techniques, visitor handling, and the organization and presentation of tour content.
DOT Region 2 emphasized that the training forms part of its continuing efforts to professionalize local tourism stakeholders and strengthen community-based ecotourism. By equipping local guides with essential competencies, the program aims to enhance visitor experience while ensuring the protection and preservation of Peñablanca’s natural attractions, particularly the Callao Caves.
The training was initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape and was implemented in partnership with the Department of Tourism, the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Cagayan, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Peñablanca.
Throughout the program, aspiring and practicing eco-tour guides, participated in intensive lectures and hands-on activities covering cultural heritage management, flora and fauna identification, birdwatching, and the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence. These sessions were complemented by outdoor learning activities such as nature and bird walks, allowing participants to directly experience and interpret the area’s rich biodiversity.
The program also emphasized safety and preparedness through comprehensive sessions on Basic Life Support, First Aid, crisis and incident management, and emergency response, ensuring that guides are well-equipped to handle outdoor and adventure tourism situations. In the latter part of the training, participants engaged in practical guiding exercises, teaching tours, cave interpretation, photography for tour guiding, and evaluated guiding demonstrations, which tested their competence in tour commentary, guest relations, professional ethics, and interpretation skills.
The newly trained eco-tour guides are expected to play a vital role in promoting responsible tourism and elevating service quality as visitor arrivals continue to increase in the area. DOT Region 2 continues to work closely with local government units and tourism partners to develop competent frontline tourism workers who serve as ambassadors of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
This initiative highlights the collective commitment of government agencies and stakeholders to professionalize eco-tour guiding while safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage of Cagayan for future generations.#
