DOT trains Virgin Island food vendors

MANILA, Philippines — Following complaints that overpriced food is being served in Virgin Island in Panglao, Bohol, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has started its training for food stall owners and their staff.

The seminar, dubbed “Filipino Brand of Service Excellence,” started on Aug. 10, the DOT said in a statement issued on Friday.

Representatives from the Panglao Island Protected Seascape Protected Area Management Board also attended the training.

The activity was in line with DOT Secretary Christina Frasco’s plan to “facilitate an inter-agency technical working group that aims to strengthen the capacity of micro-entrepreneurs to provide quality tourism services.”

“Grounded on the principle of making tourism activities sustainable in the long haul, we wish to equip our graduates with a deliberate inclination to service that is centered on ensuring due care for our tourists,” Frasco said.

The operations of food establishments in Virgin Island were suspended after a viral post on Facebook showed that a group of tourists was charged P26,100 for seafood and drinks ordered in one meal. The group of 13 reportedly ordered among other items, oysters, sea urchin and scallops.