DOT Region 2 Trains 42 Tourist Drivers as Frontliners of Batanes Tourism
The Department of Tourism Region 2 (DOT Region 2), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Batanes, successfully conducted the Tourist Drivers as Tourism Frontliners Seminar on February 23–24, 2026, at the PPDO Hall in Batanes.
The two-day capacity-building activity produced 42 graduates and reinforced the vital role of tourist drivers as frontline ambassadors of the province’s tourism industry. The seminar aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge, discipline, and service excellence to ensure safe, responsible, and culturally sensitive tourism experiences for visitors.
The opening program featured a welcome message from Ms. Ma. Rhondina B. Aguto. Discussions on the first day focused on the current tourism landscape of Batanes and existing provincial ordinances, led by the Provincial Heritage and Tourism Office, to ensure that drivers are well informed about local policies and regulations.
Mr. Joemarly Escobido of the Land Transportation Office (LTO-Batanes) served as the local resource speaker and facilitated comprehensive sessions on international road signs, drivers’ rights and responsibilities, land transportation laws, and defensive driving techniques, emphasizing safety and regulatory compliance.
The second day centered on strengthening service excellence and hospitality values. FBSE Regional Speaker Mr. Protogenes A. Galarion discussed the Philippine Tourism Industry and the 7Ms of Filipino Hospitality, underscoring professionalism, respect, and cultural pride. Participants were also introduced to the G.U.E.S.T. steps to service excellence, the Mabuhay and Salamat gestures, the 5A’s of local tourism, and the H.E.A.R.T. method for effective and professional service recovery.
The seminar concluded with a declaration of commitment, the awarding of certificates, and closing remarks delivered by DOT Region 2 through its Batanes Satellite Office representative.
DOT Region 2 continues to strengthen grassroots tourism stakeholders and uphold service quality standards, ensuring that Batanes remains a premier and responsible destination in the Northern Philippines.#