TACLOBAN CITY – For the first time, Eastern Visayas hosted a national event for tour guides from across the country through the 11th National Tour Guides Convention and General Assembly and the 2nd Philippine National Tour Guides Conference.

The event, held from June 9 to 12 here in the city, was organized by the Philippine Federation of Professional Tour Guide Associations, Inc., in collaboration with the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, and supported by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board.

Jann Rañeses, a regional tour guide from the National Capital Region (NCR), shared that her participation in the national convention opened her eyes to various problems in the tourism industry, specifically concerning biodiversity.

Rañeses added that she was glad to be part of the conference as it allowed them to discuss relevant issues affecting not only tour guides but also tour operators, transportation, and local tourist spots.

One of the issues discussed was the problem of whale shark feeding in Oslob, Cebu, which environmentalists and conservation groups strongly oppose.

“Our topic opened my consciousness to various environmental and biodiversity problems that may affect our tourism sector, like the whale shark feeding in Oslob,” Rañeses said.
Whale shark feeding is considered unsustainable tourism and poses a danger to the animals when they come into close proximity to boats, increasing the risk of contact or being hit by propellers. This also affects their migratory patterns, reducing the chances of reproduction.

As a regional tour guide in the NCR, Rañeses mentioned that among the problems they face are garbage disposal, flooding, and traffic congestion.

“Regarding traffic problems, we have devised a solution by creating a timetable that aligns with traffic patterns, considering not only the distance in kilometers but also the time it takes,” Rañeses added.

Meanwhile, Suzette Garcia, a regional tour guide in NCR and a former community guide in Biliran province, emphasized that age is not a barrier if an individual is passionate about helping the tourism sector.

Garcia added that her age, 61, does not hinder her from performing her duties as a tour guide and sharing her knowledge with tourists visiting various destinations and historical sites in the NCR.

“Actually, they know a lot and can impart a lot, especially regarding tourism, because they have a lot to tell based on real experiences and not just what is found or read in books and on the internet,” she explained, highlighting that this makes their storytelling more authentic.

The only challenge she faced when transferring to the NCR was the need to read books and other historical sources to enhance her job, especially for tours set in Intramuros.

Garcia emphasized that tour guides must be well-equipped with knowledge of the community and destinations they offer in their tour packages to help guests relate to and learn from their visits.

At least 198 tour guides who are members of 18 associations from across the country gathered in Tacloban for the four-day national convention and general assembly with the theme, “Philippine Tour Guide: Keeper of Culture, Heritage, and Biodiversity.”

Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Nograles, in her message, encouraged officers of the Philippine Federation of Professional Tour Guides to help the government achieve President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of making the country a top tourist destination in Asia.

“You, our esteemed tour guides, are among the most essential tourism stakeholders. You are not just holding the key to your destination; you are the storyteller, the cultural ambassador who breathes life into each landmark, story, and tradition,” Nograles said in her message.

“By sharing your unique insights and passion with tourists, you leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those you encounter, shaping memories that last a lifetime,” she added.

Tour guides leave a lasting impression that encourages tourists to return to the country, helping the government achieve its goal of making the Philippines a tourism powerhouse in Asia and boosting economic growth.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY– Tacloban City District Engineering Office participates in the cascading event for Department Order No. 252, s. 2022, also known as “Management of Document Information,” on June 6-7, 2024, led by the DPWH Central Office. The members of the Knowledge and Management Team were invited to participate in this activity.

As described in Department Order No. 252, s. 2022, Management of Document Information outlines how important information, such as documents and records, should be controlled and organized within the department. This ensures that the department’s practices regarding document and records management remain consistent, efficient, and compliant with relevant regulations.

The cascading event was attended by employees from various District Engineering Offices across the region. Notably, Felomina L. Lagado, Juvy Lyn S. Adizas, and Kim Shaine D. Arellano represented the DPWH Tacloban City District Engineering Office.

“This management of document information will surely guide our office in terms of how documents and records should be organized following the provided guidelines. This will also ensure that all information is updated and well-secured,” Mrs. Adizas said in a statement.(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The choral group from Cebu Normal University (CNU) emerged victorious in the inaugural ‘Kanta Binisaya’ Choral competition and Love Eastern Visayas music video competition held on Tuesday (June 11).

The chorale competition was organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT–8) in collaboration with the Tingog party-list and the office of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The CNU’s chorale group triumphed over seven other groups from across the Visayas and Mindanao during the finals held at the People’s Center and Library in Tacloban City.

The group won a P100,000 cash prize and an additional P5,000 for the best conductor special award, which was given to their conductor Darlene Yap.

They performed an acoustic rendition of “Kuratsa,” a traditional song and dance of Eastern Visayas, and the Binisaya song “Matud Nila.” They concluded their performance with “Tayo’y Magsayawan” by VST & Co.

Cebu Normal University president Daniel Ariaso Sr. joined the choral group in receiving their trophy and cash prize at the awarding ceremony. He expressed his gratitude to the DOT-8 and Kanta Binisaya organizers for the invitation to participate in the competition.

“This is a great opportunity for the choral group of our university to be part of this inaugural competition, and it also allows Eastern Visayas to showcase its rich culture through music. As an Eastern Visayan from Eastern Samar, I am proud to be part of this event,” he said.

DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes hopes that the success of the Kanta Binisaya choral competition will make it a regular event, showcasing and promoting the rich musical heritage of Eastern Visayas.

“This is the first time DOT-8 hosted a choral competition, and we hope it becomes institutionalized and evolves into a national competition,” the DOT-8 head said.

Tiopes also expressed gratitude to the provincial government of Leyte and the municipal government of Palo for providing a P20,000 cash subsidy to all eight finalists, as well as to Leyte Normal University.

The second place went to Koro Seraphim from Tagbilaran City, which received P80,000. They performed “Anak nga Waray Palad” for their Binisaya song and “Manila” by Hotdog for their OPM song.

Coro Recoleto from the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos secured third place and won P60,000 with their rendition of the iconic Binisaya song “Iruy nga Tuna” and “Pinoy Ako” for their OPM song. They also won the Best OPM special award.

The best kuratsa pair special award was given to the kuratsa dancers of Calbayog Chamber Voices. All non-winning finalists received a P20,000 consolation prize.

The jury for the Kanta Binisaya Choral Competition included arranger, composer, and choral conductor Robert Delgado; musicologist Prof. Thomas Schüle; composer, arranger, soloist, instrumentalist, and choral conductor Cyro Bon Cloui Moral; choral pedagogue, conductor, arranger, choral clinician, and adjudicator Maria Theresa Roldan; choral conductor and church musician Prof. Joey Soliman Jr.; and National Commission on Culture and the Arts Commissioner for the Arts Arvin Manuel Villalon.

Kanta Binisaya is an initiative by DOT-8 aimed at fostering appreciation of the Eastern Visayas musical heritage and promoting it nationally through the chorale competition.
In the music video competition, the entry from Leyte Normal University won first place, earning P70,000. Tanauan School for Craftsmanship took second place with P60,000, and Abuyog Community College placed third with P50,000.

The five non-winning participants received P20,000 consolation prizes. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressed his elation following his first meeting with House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

In his official social media account, Escudero stated that he was pleased their initial meeting as Senate President and Speaker was both productive and encouraging.

Escudero emphasized that this engagement was a crucial step in re-establishing a strong and collaborative relationship with the House leadership, particularly after a period of strained relations between the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Our discussions today focused on bridging the gaps that have previously existed and establishing a framework for more open, transparent, and continuous communication moving forward,” the Senate president said.

He added that both he and Speaker Romualdez are committed to ensuring that their legislative efforts are synchronized and focused on the best interests of the nation. They agreed to keep their lines of communication open to prevent misunderstandings and promote a collaborative legislative environment.

During their meeting, Escudero highlighted the importance of upholding checks and balances to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful. This, he noted, ensures accountability, transparency, and effective governance, allowing for healthy debate and the creation of legislation that truly serves the people’s interests.

Escudero also mentioned that he looks forward to meeting with Speaker Romualdez again as they prepare for the third State of the Nation Address by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

He stressed that it is imperative for both the Senate and the House to be aligned and ready to support the President’s priority legislative measures.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)