LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Capitol Resort Hotel buzzed with excitement last January 30-31, 2025, as the Pangasinan Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) hosted the Capitol Tour Guiding Training with its new breed of Capitol Tour Guides. This two-day event aimed to increase the number of Capitol Tour Guides and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide Pangasinan’s renowned hospitality to tourists visiting the Capitol Complex. The training covered topics such as local history, cultural heritage, customer service, and communication techniques to ensure that the new batch of Capitol Tour Guides can offer an informative and engaging experience to visitors.
Ms. Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, Department Head of PTCAO, delivered the opening remarks and provided a glimpse of what is expected of a tour guide. She emphasized that while delivering commentary is important, the primary function of a tour guide is to manage the overall tour and provide a memorable experience for visitors.
The morning sessions featured two vital modules. The first, “Personality Development and Customer Service,” was led by Ms. Judith V. Cabillo, a seasoned DOT-accredited regional tour guide. This session highlighted the significance of personal presentation and effective customer service, essential traits for any successful tour guide. She also emphasized the importance of creating a positive first impression on guests, as this sets the tone for the entire tour experience.
Following this, Mr. Nathaniel Joel M. Daroy, Project Development Officer III of PTCAO and a DOT-accredited community guide, presented the second module, “Pangasinan Culture and Heritage.” This session provided participants with a deeper understanding of the local culture and heritage, especially the rich history of the Capitol Complex and the province’s treasures.
After a hearty lunch, the afternoon session continued with “Commentary Development and Practical Guiding Techniques,” led by Ms. Monika Aliguas N. Labaupa, Planning Officer III of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College and a DOT-accredited trainer. The session covered tips and strategies for providing commentary during tours, as well as practical techniques for guiding tourists effectively. The day concluded with a mock tour orientation by Ms. Jenny Joy C. Napolitano.
The second day was dedicated to a mock tour at the Capitol Complex and other key destinations within Lingayen. Participants engaged in a simulation of a mobile and walking tour, visiting significant sites such as the Casa Real, Lingayen Plaza, and the Bagoong Factory. This hands-on experience allowed participants to apply the skills they had learned in a real-world setting.
In the afternoon, the participants returned to the Capitol Resort Hotel for critiquing and evaluation sessions. The panel, composed of Ms. Amor-Elduayan, Ms. Cabillo, Mr. Daroy, and Ms. Napolitano, provided feedback, helping participants refine their guiding techniques. The training concluded with the awarding of certificates and closing remarks, celebrating the participants’ dedication and achievements.
Overall, the Capitol Tour Guiding Training was a success as it paved the way for transforming participants into competent and confident Capitol Tour Guides, ready to showcase the beauty of the Capitol Complex to visitors.
/MTRC
Photos: MRTE
