In good grace at Sta. Ana, Cagayan

I had the good grace to be assigned to two exciting events these past few days … I owe the Department of Tourism (DOT, Region 2) the challenge to be there.

First, I was asked to facilitate two trainings in Sta. Ana, Cagayan: Frontline Service Management (FSM)also known as Effective Customer Service and Tourist Reception and Guiding Techniques (TRGT) last May 14-17, 2012. The following day I have to go to Isabela for the Mini-Summit for the Crocodile Conservation Project of the Mabuwaya Foundation from May 18-21, 2012.

The TRGT participants at Nangaramuan Beach

The Monkey Rock on its stomach

The training in Sta. Ana proved to be a very challenging one because the DOT and the LGU of Sta. Ana had to make sure that the trainees will be equipped with the necessary skills to face the challenges of the tourism  industry in the future. The participants profile for the FSM  include non-working professionals as well as out-of-school  youths and frontline service providers.

 For the TRGT, we had 24 participants at the start but was trimmed down to 19 on the last day, some chose not to continue with the training maybe because they think they cannot take the heat. Participants had to pass some oral exams and a mock tour which allowed each one to act as a tour guide while inside a bus and while visiting the destinations in the town  as well as while inside the training room. During the last day, everyone was graded by the trainer and DOT officials.

A view from the top of the aka sleeping dragon

The trainees will serve as local tour guides in the town of Sta. Ana in the northeast of the Province of Cagayan. Preferred destinations include the Boacag waterfalls, St. Anthony Museum, Nangaramuan local Beach, San Vicente Port, Crab Farms and local resort facilities.