DOT-Caraga Trains

20/08/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮 𝗔𝗥𝗤 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁

In line with its continuous effort to strengthen service standards and promote authentic hospitality across the region, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Region successfully conducted the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) training on August 18, 2026, at Alima ARQ Beach Resort, Brgy. Britania, Municipality of San Augustin, Surigao del Sur.

As part of DOT Caraga's ongoing initiative to capacitate and support accredited tourism establishments in maintaining high-quality service, the training brought together local resort personnel for an intensive capability-building session aimed at cultivating a culture of genuine, heartfelt Filipino hospitality. Participants were equipped with essential skills, core values, and service frameworks designed to enhance guest satisfaction, handle service recovery effectively, and elevate the overall visitor experience in Alima ARQ Beach Resort.

Beyond guest service mechanics, the program highlighted key industry protection standards through comprehensive discussions on Gender and Development (GAD) and Child Safe Tourism. These sessions empowered frontliners to foster an inclusive, respectful, and secure environment, ensuring that guest operations strictly adhere to safety, child protection, and gender-sensitive practices led by Ms. Alyckssa Maye J. Castanos

DOT Caraga extends its gratitude the management of Alima ARQ Beach Resort, and all participating frontliners for their active involvement and shared commitment to driving tourism excellence in the province.

11/08/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐚, 𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Department of Tourism (DOT) – Caraga, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Bislig City, successfully conducted the Community Tour Guiding Training from July 23 to 29, 2026, in Apero, Mangagoy, Bislig City, with 33 community tour guide participants completing the intensive seven-day training. The program provided participants with a comprehensive learning experience aimed at enhancing their competencies in tour guiding, deepening their appreciation of Bislig City's tourism assets, and preparing them to deliver safe, engaging, and quality visitor experiences.

Throughout the training, participants took part in lectures, workshops, onsite mentoring, and competency-based assessments covering destination knowledge, tour management, interpretation, tourist safety, water safety, and practical guiding techniques. A highlight of the program was the mock tour guiding competency assessment, where participants applied their knowledge and skills while guiding visitors through some of Bislig City's renowned attractions, including Lawigan White Sand Beaches, Kawa-Kawa sa Awog, Ocean View Park and International Doll House, Tinuy-an Falls Protected Landscape, the City Organic Agri-Fishery Tourism Complex (COAFTC), the Arboretum Cum Rest and Recreation Area, and Heculano S. Basañez Boulevard (I Love Bislig and Pasalubong Center). The activity allowed participants to confidently deliver tour commentaries, conduct safety briefings, and interpret the unique features of each destination in a real-world guiding environment. The training also featured an Orientation on the Updated Progressive Accreditation System by Mr. Jhon Riel B. Absuelo, a Child-safe Tourism session by Ms. Jessie Mae M. Tolentino, and the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) training facilitated by Ms. Paula Mae A. Mirasol. The learning experience was further enriched through the expertise of lead trainers Mr. Eric A. Bontuyan, Mr. Nilo Albert A. Lazarito, Mr. Lyle X. P. Dadulo, and Mr. Paul Donato Quinto, who shared their knowledge and guided participants throughout the seven-day program.

The DOT Caraga extends its sincere appreciation to the City Government of Bislig, led by Hon. Florencio C. Garay, and the Bislig City Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office for their invaluable support and collaboration in the successful conduct of the training. Through initiatives such as this, DOT Caraga remains committed to empowering community tourism frontliners and advancing sustainable and community-based tourism development across the region.

05/08/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐀 𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐏𝐒 𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐂𝐎𝐏 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃-𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐌 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐁𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Region successfully conducted the Child-Safe Tourism and Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training for 50 Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) personnel on July 30, 2026, at PRO13 Sandigan Hall, Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez, Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City.

The activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of tourism frontliners in delivering exceptional public service while promoting child protection, ensuring that tourism destinations remain safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all. It also emphasized the significant role of law enforcement officers in creating secure tourism environments and contributing to positive visitor experiences.

The training commenced with the Child-Safe Tourism session facilitated by Senior Tourism Operations Officer Artemio T. Menchavez, Jr. The session highlighted the importance of safeguarding children from all forms of exploitation within tourism settings, while emphasizing the shared responsibility of tourism stakeholders and law enforcement agencies in promoting child protection. Participants were provided with insights on identifying risks, responding appropriately to child protection concerns, and strengthening efforts toward safe and child-friendly tourism destinations.

The second session featured the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), led by Assistant Regional Director Tiara Julia M. Santos. She discussed the Philippine Tourism Industry Situationer and the FBSE Journey, the 7Ms of Filipino Hospitality, the G.U.E.S.T. Steps to Service Excellence, and the H.E.A.R.T. of Service Recovery. The session emphasized the importance of professionalism, empathy, effective communication, and authentic Filipino hospitality in delivering meaningful and memorable service experiences to visitors.

The activity strengthened the competencies of TOPCOP personnel not only in safeguarding vulnerable sectors but also in becoming effective tourism frontliners who embody service excellence and genuine Filipino hospitality. Through continuous capability-building initiatives, DOT Caraga remains committed to developing a tourism workforce that upholds safety, inclusivity, and excellence across the region.

The continued partnership between the Department of Tourism Caraga and the Police Regional Office 13 plays a significant role in promoting responsible tourism in the region. Through strengthened tourist security, safety programs, and coordinated efforts, both agencies continue to work hand in hand in capacitating law enforcement officers as tourism partners, fostering a safer and more welcoming environment for visitors and local communities. This collaboration, further strengthened through initiatives such as the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP), reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to enhancing destination security, promoting responsible tourism, and improving the overall visitor experience in Caraga.

04/08/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Region in partnership with the City Tourism Office of Surigao successfully conducted the three-day Festival Enhancement Workshop held on July 28-30, 2026 in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

The workshop was attended by festival dancers/trainers and choreographers, MAPEH and SPA coordinators/teachers, and SPA dance teachers.

The first and second days of the workshop were led by DOT Certified Trainer and Artistic Director Mr. Raul Z. Prima, who discussed Festival Management, the Characteristics of a High-Value Festival, Considerations for Staging a Festival, the Devices of Choreography through demonstration, and Production Design.

The third day of the workshop was led by Administrative Officer IV Ms. Azelea B. Peñas, who discussed Child Safe Tourism, an essential initiative aimed at protecting children in the tourism industry. The session emphasized the importance of creating a safe, inclusive, and responsible tourism environment where the rights and well-being of children are upheld.

DOT Caraga extends its heartfelt gratitude to the City Government of Surigao through Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II for his unwavering support in the successful implementation of this training. The Department likewise expresses its sincere appreciation to the City Tourism Office of Surigao for its invaluable assistance, coordination, and commitment, which greatly contributed to the success of the activity.

This workshop strengthened the knowledge, skills, and creativity of participants, enabling them to elevate the quality and competitiveness of local festivals while promoting responsible tourism practices. Through initiatives like this, DOT Caraga continues to empower tourism stakeholders and preserve the region's rich cultural heritage for future generations.

03/08/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗠 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga received two (2) plaques of commendation for its Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management initiatives and its active participation to the rollout of the Capacity and Capability Assessment in DRRM during the Council’s Culmination Program for the Annual Observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) on July 29, 2026 at Pavilion, Watergate, Butuan City.

These awards reaffirm DOT Caraga's commitment to strengthening disaster resilience within the tourism sector by promoting safe, resilient, and sustainable tourism through proactive disaster risk reduction and management initiatives across the region.

As the Regional Office continues to foster destinations that are prepared, adaptive, and resilient, the Department of Tourism Caraga Region remains dedicated to safeguarding both visitors and host communities. This recognition is shared with our tourism stakeholders, local government partners, and communities whose collective efforts continue to build a stronger, safer, and more resilient Caraga.

03/08/2026

𝗕islig 𝗘quips 𝟯𝟯 𝗖ommunity 𝗧our 𝗚uides with 𝗘ssential 𝗧ourism 𝗦kills

To equip community members with essential tour guiding competencies and strengthen the local tourism workforce, the city government of Bislig conducted a seven-day Community Tour Guiding Training integrated with the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), Gender and Development (GAD), and Child-Safe Tourism, benefiting 33 participants recently. The training enhanced participants' knowledge and skills in delivering quality tourism services while promoting sustainable tourism, gender sensitivity, and child protection, in support of the national government's thrust to raise tourism standards and improve visitor experience.

The newly trained community tour guides are expected to serve as responsible ambassadors of Bislig City by showcasing its rich culture, heritage, and natural attractions while providing quality service to both local and international visitors.

The training was successfully implemented through the collaborative efforts of the city government of Bislig, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga, the Provincial Tourism Office of Surigao del Sur, partner agencies, trainers, and other stakeholders. The initiative underscores the local government's commitment to advancing tourism development through capacity-building programs that strengthen Bislig City's position as a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive tourism destination. (Photo courtesy of City Tourism Office , LGU Bislig City)

29/07/2026