04/07/2025
๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐น๐ผ๐ถ๐น๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐, ๐ฃ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐บ
As a vital step toward inclusive tourism development, a Community Tour Guiding Seminar was organized by the Department of Tourism Region VI, in partnership with the Iloilo City Government and SM City Iloilo. The program aimed to equip aspiring tour guides with the tools and knowledge needed to professionally showcase Iloiloโs rich cultural, historical, and commercial landmarks.
Held from June 23 to 29, 2025, the intensive weeklong training equipped 27 participants with practical guiding techniques, service excellence skills, and insights into local tourism products.
As part of their hands-on learning experience, participants joined a mock tour that featured the different landmarks and tourist destinations in the city. Part of the itinerary was the soon-to-reopen Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Marketโtwo iconic public markets currently undergoing transformative redevelopment through a public-private partnership between the Iloilo City Government and SM Prime Holdings.
Once completed, these revitalized spaces are set to become vibrant attractions in Iloilo Cityโs cultural and culinary tourism circuit, showcasing authentic Ilonggo flavors, local craftsmanship, and a reimagined public market experience that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation.
With the successful completion of the Community Guiding Seminar, these community tour guides are now ready to take center stage in promoting the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Iloilo City, recognized globally as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
The seminar was designed to empower them with practical skills, cultural knowledge, and tourism principles that reflect the best of Ilonggo hospitality.
Under the guidance and evaluation of esteemed tourism professionals and trainers, participants underwent a comprehensive curriculum covering a range of vital topics essential to effective and impactful tour guiding.
These included a Tourism Overview presented by Mr. Artemio P. Ticar; insights into Local Tourism Products by Mr. King Erlano; and a discussion on the Basic Principles in the Outdoors, Flora and Fauna of Iloilo City by Mr. Aris Cristales. The Bureau of Fire Protection Region 6 facilitated a session on Basic First Aid and Emergency Response, while Dr. Maria Amihan Tamayo Panes led a module on The Filipino Brand of Service Excellence. Finally, Ms. Monika Aliguas Navata Labaupa shared her expertise on the Roles and Responsibilities of Tour Guides, Development of Related Tour Guide Communication Skills, Human and Customer Relations, Practical Application of Tour Guiding Techniques, and the National Code of Ethics for Professional Tour Guides.
Ms. Erlyn S. Alunan, Western Visayas Regional Guide, was also present as an evaluator, lending her expertise and support throughout the program.
With a shared goal of elevating the cityโs tourism capacity, this initiative aims to develop community-based tourism professionals who are well-versed in Iloiloโs historical narratives, biodiversity, cuisine, and service excellenceโensuring memorable and meaningful experiences for both local and international visitors.
The graduation marks a milestone not only for the 27 newly trained guides but also for the cityโs continuing commitment to inclusive, grassroots tourism development.
As Iloilo strengthens its identity as a premier cultural and culinary destination, these community guides will serve as vital ambassadors of the cityโs charm, pride, and warm hospitality.
