In a bid to fortify the tourism and hospitality sector through professionalizing its workforce, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) MIMAROPA collaborates with the Department of Tourism (DOT) MIMAROPA. This strategic collaboration was officially announced during the Regional Kick-Off event held at the TESDA MIMAROPA Regional Office Activity Hall, May 6, 2024 in Calapan City.
The initiative marked a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to bolster the tourism and hospitality industry. One of the key highlights of the event was the launch of the Free Assessment program tailored specifically for hotel workers.
During the Regional Kick-Off event, representatives from TESDA and DOT underscored the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable growth and development in the tourism industry. They emphasized the need for continuous skills enhancement and certification to ensure that workers are equipped with the necessary competencies to meet the evolving demands of the sector.
In her remarks, the Regional Director of TESDA MIMAROPA, RD Angelina M. Carreon expressed her optimism about the partnership, highlighting its potential to create a pool of highly skilled and certified professionals who will contribute to the region’s tourism growth. She also reiterated TESDA’s commitment to providing accessible and quality technical education and training to support the needs of various industries.
Likewise, the DOT MIMAROPA OIC- Regional Director Roberto P. Alabado III emphasized the importance of human capital development in enhancing the competitiveness of tourism destinations. He even shared personal experiences in establishments in the past that made him realize the need for upskilling and certification of hotel workers. For him, hotel owners should start capitalizing on their human resources. He lauded the collaboration with TESDA as a proactive step towards elevating the standards of service excellence in the region’s hospitality sector.
Supportive to this endeavor, Calapan City Mayor Hon. Malou F. Morillo graced the activity and even delivered a message of support for the participants. Mayor Morillo, being part of the hospitality industry herself, expressed her utmost support and affirmation to the partnership made by TESDA and DOT. She believes in the impact this partnership can bring not only to the hotel owners and workers but most importantly, to the tourism and hospitality industry in the city and the region.
While the program progressed, diploma students from Southwestern College of Maritime Business and Technology, Inc. and Simeon Suan Vocational and Technical College stood on exhibits to feature new technologies and trends in the Food and Beverage, Bread and Pastry/ Bakery, and Hospitality.
Two competitors from SSVTC to compete this coming August for the Philippine National Skills Competition 2024 in their respective qualifications under the Tourism Sector were also presented by RD Carreon namely Gabriel C. Montales (Bakery) and Clint Vincent Roado (Restaurant Services). RD Carreon emphasized that this pool of students will become our potential workforce and it is important that the industry they will be coming into will be ready for them and in the same manner, that the students will be industry- ready.
The partnership between TESDA MIMAROPA and DOT MIMAROPA aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals within the hospitality sector. By leveraging their respective expertise and resources, both agencies are poised to make substantial contributions towards uplifting the quality of services offered in the region’s tourism establishments.
Under the Free Assessment program, hotel workers will have the opportunity to undergo skills assessment and certification at no cost. This initiative not only serves to recognize the proficiency of the existing workforce but also encourages upskilling and reskilling, thereby fostering career advancement and job security within the industry.
As the partnership between TESDA MIMAROPA and DOT MIMAROPA sets sail, stakeholders and industry players are optimistic about the positive impact it will bring to the region’s tourism landscape. With a shared vision of nurturing a skilled and dynamic workforce, both agencies are poised to chart a course towards sustainable tourism development in MIMAROPA.