Over 2,000 frontline workers trained for Boracay reopening

MANILA, Philippines — More than 2,000 front line workers were trained to face tourists ahead of the reopening of Boracay island on October 26.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat reported that the tourism department handled free training of 2,100 workers for the reopening of the world famous island during its temporary closure.

Among the front line workers include boatmen from from Caticlan, Tabo, Cagban and Tambisan Ports; jetty port checkers; ticket collectors; land transport drivers; tour guides; and travel and tour operators expected to face tourists and become ambassadors of the island.

Front line workers trained also include hotel and restaurant waiters and food servers, massage and spa therapists, manicurists, vendors, souvenir gift shops salespersons, and water sports activities personnel.

The DOT said they were given series of trainings and seminars from May to October. It was spearheaded by the Department’s Regional Office VI, Boracay Field Office and Boracay Compliance and Monitoring Office from May to October 2018.

Aside from the front line workers, more than 100 police are also slated to join two batches of Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection Awareness Training to ensure the safety and security of tourists in the island.

"While Boracay is still a work in progress, we are optimistic that these frontliners will help us in showcasing the ‘Better Boracay’ we are working towards,” Puyat said.

Meanwhile, DOT Regional Director Helen Catalbas said the training sessions and seminars will continue even after the island’s soft-opening on Friday.

The tourism agency is planning four to five batches of seminars on the Filipino brand of service for front line workers and stakeholders. The proposed seminar will be facilitated by  the DOT’s Office of Industry Manpower Development.

The DOT also plan to have training courses in community local guiding for Mabuhay this December.

To promote sustainable tourism, the DOT said it will include series of training services on best practices for sustainable tourism which include promotion of eco-friendly facilities, transportation and commodities; energy and waste management; and water and biodiversity conservation.  

Puyat is also encouraging tourists to be responsible when visiting the island temporary closed for its ecological rehabilitation and restoration.

"Practice sustainable tourism and respect the island, and you’ll just keep it more fun for the generations to come," Puyat said. 

Prior to the island's soft-opening on October 26, the government also opened the island to local tourists for a dry-run of the island's opening. — Rosette Adel