Driving with Excellence: Empowering Tourist Drivers as Tourism Frontliners in the Region
The Department of Tourism (DOT), Region 2 successfully conducted a two-day Tourist Drivers as Tourism Frontliners Seminar on August 19–20, 2026, in Santiago City, bringing together accredited tourist transport drivers and operators from across the Cagayan Valley Region.
The first day featured the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Seminar, facilitated by Mr. Norway Saludares. The session emphasized the Filipino culture of warmth and hospitality and its application in providing quality service to tourists. The seminar focused on equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to provide visitors with a safe, courteous, and welcoming travel experience while promoting professionalism and responsible tourism.
Participants were also reminded of the vital role they play as tourism frontliners. As some of the first people visitors encounter upon arriving at a destination, tourist drivers help shape first impressions and can influence how travelers experience and remember the region.
On the second day, the activity shifted its focus to road safety and responsible driving, covering international signs, signals and road markings; the rights, duties, and responsibilities of professional drivers; land transportation laws, rules, and regulations; and defensive driving techniques. Chief Dennis Buendia of the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Santiago City led the discussions, emphasizing the responsibility of professional drivers to ensure the safety and well-being of their passengers and other road users.
Adding to the learning sessions, DOT Accreditation Officer Ms. Kristine Wandagan also provided participants with practical guidance on DOT accreditation, including the accreditation process, documentary requirements, and endorsement to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for franchise purposes.
By bringing together service excellence, road safety, and regulatory compliance, the two-day seminar reinforced the role of tourist drivers not only as transport providers but as partners in delivering quality tourism experiences.
Through initiatives such as this, DOT Region 2 continues to strengthen the capacity of tourism stakeholders and promote a culture of safe, responsible, and visitor-centered service-helping ensure that every traveler’s journey through Cagayan Valley is safe, welcoming, and worth remembering.