DOT Region 2 Bolsters the Homestay Owners and Operators in the Province of Batanes
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 02 in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Batanes through its Heritage and Tourism Office, marked a successful seven-day Training on Homestay Pilipinas Program on December 4 -10, 2023 held at the Batanes Livelihood Center Building, Basco, Batanes.
The Training on Homestay Pilipinas Program was aimed at fostering formal and systematic procedures in accommodating tourists with an exceptional standard of service that leads to DOT Accreditation. This activity also addresses a movement in support of homeowners in increasing their income in the comfort of their homes.
During the opening program, Mr. Justinne Jerico H. Socito, Provincial Administrator personally addressed the participants and stated “That may this training will equip and prepare the tourism stakeholder of homestay in providing excellent services within the comfort of their homes at the same time to have more trainings to be conducted in the Province of Batanes for the tourism sector to enhance and provide a quality service for its recovery and a better tourism industry” which seconded by the Provincial Tourism Officer Ms. Hegel R. Valones. DOT Regional Director Troy Alexander G. Miano also extended his warm appreciation through a video message as he looks forward to the progress of the tourism industry and the successful delivery of the training.
During the training, participants were engaged in various activities, including lectures on the Philippine Tourism Industry, Best Practices of Homestay and Safety Procedures including practical and hands-on skills on towel folding, table setting, and an overview of Kulinarya in Local Culture and Heritage.
Following the new guidelines of DOT MC No. 2023-0003 or the Updated Progressive Accreditation System, this will link in the required amenities and services in the accreditation of Homestay. Dr. Freddie Quinito, a DOT-Accredited Speaker and Trainer for Homestay facilitated this 56-hour training.
The event culminated with 24 enthusiastic participants hailing from the towns of Basco, Ivana, Sabtang, and Itbayat, completing the training. This achievement underscores the unwavering commitment of DOT Region 2 to enriching knowledge and upgrading the skills of tourism industry workers for the enhancement of the overall tourism experience.