DOT-Caraga Trains

28/10/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

In preparation for the upcoming World Surf League (WSL) Championship, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of General Luna conducted the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training on October 21, 2026, at Cabuntog Hall, Municipal Grounds, General Luna, Surigao del Norte. The activity gathered local surfers to promote Filipino hospitality and emphasize the importance of creating welcoming and memorable experiences for visitors, athletes, and international surfing enthusiasts expected to visit the surfing capital of Siargao. The program commenced with a welcome message from DOT Caraga Regional Director Ivonnie B. Dumadag, highlighting the importance of service excellence and collaboration in preparing the destination for the international surfing event.

The training was facilitated by Dr. Sai B. Collado, who shared valuable insights on the importance of embodying Filipino values and demonstrating genuine hospitality in every interaction with tourists. The activity also featured a session on the Updated Progressive Accreditation System, with Ms. Annalizabeth T. Awa serving as the resource speaker. Her discussion provided participants with information on accreditation standards and requirements relevant to tourism services. Through the FBSE program, local surfers were encouraged to become ambassadors of Filipino service excellence, contributing to General Luna’s preparations for the WSL Championship and helping showcase the destination’s vibrant surfing culture alongside the warmth and friendliness of the Filipino people.

DOT Caraga extends its sincere appreciation to the Local Government Unit of General Luna, under the leadership of Mayor Johnson Y. Sajulga, the Municipal Tourism Office, and the Siargao Island Surfers Association (SISA) for their valuable partnership, participation, and continued support in strengthening local tourism initiatives. Their collaboration in preparing tourism stakeholders for the upcoming international surfing event reflects a shared commitment to positioning General Luna as a welcoming and world-class surfing destination, where visitors can experience both exceptional waves and the genuine hospitality of the people of Siargao.

22/10/2026

𝟱𝟬 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗗𝗦𝗣𝗣𝗢 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Region, in partnership with the 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 (𝗦𝗗𝗦𝗣𝗣𝗢) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 successfully conducted the 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗙𝗕𝗦𝗘) 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁-𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗖𝗢𝗣) 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 on October 22, 2026 at Camp Hon. Vicente L. Pimentel Sr., Telaje, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

A total of 50 police personnel from the SDSPPO successfully completed the FBSE Training, led by DOT Certified FBSE Trainer, Ms. Marian Jill D. Castrence.

The training covered key topics such as:
* The 7Ms of Filipino Hospitality and Service
* The G.U.E.S.T. steps to service excellence
* The 5As of Local Tourism
* The H.E.A.R.T. approach to Service Recovery

Highlighting the training was a lecture on Child Safe Tourism discussed by Mr. Artemio T. Menchavez, Jr., Senior Tourism Operations Officer of DOT Caraga on October 19, 2026, aimed to promote the ethical and sustainable tourism practices that respect the rights of the children and giving emphasis of the crucial role of tourist police in creating a safer environment for children in tourist destinations.

The said training aims to equip the Tourist Police Officers with a unique and excellent way of delivering customer service founded on Filipino values while ensuring the safety and security of the tourists and contributing to the overall success of responsible tourism.

DOT Caraga extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO), through its Provincial Director, PCOL Jeffrey Lawrence D Mauricio, for his unwavering support in the successful implementation of this training, and to the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, through Provincial Governor Hon. Johnny T. Pimentel, for its strong partnership and continued support for tourism initiatives.

22/10/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝟯𝟭 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼, 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office Caraga, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Socorro through the Municipal Tourism Office, successfully concluded a seven-day Community Tour Guiding (CTG) Training on October 15, 2026, at the Women’s Center in Socorro. A total of 31 local guides graduated, forming the second batch of trained community guides since 2023.

Participants completed sessions on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), Gender and Development (GAD), and Child-Safe Tourism to promote inclusive and responsible destination management. They developed standardized spiels highlighting Socorro’s cultural heritage, traditions, and natural attractions while honing skills in destination interpretation, guest relations, and itinerary management. To ensure visitor safety, the training included Basic Life Support (BLS), First Aid, Risk Assessment, and Aquatic Hazard Rescue, covering defensive swimming and water-rescue techniques for island operations. The program culminated in practical evaluations testing participants' commentary delivery, guest management, safety briefings, and group control in real-world scenarios.

DOT Caraga extends its gratitude to the Local Government Unit of Socorro, led by Municipal Mayor Riza Rafonselle "Reizl" T. Timcang, who attended the closing program to extend her encouragement to the graduates, as well as the panel of trainers who facilitated the sessions: Mr. Eric A. Bontuyan, Mr. Nilo Albert A. Lazarito, Mr. Lyle X P. Dadulo, Mr. Paul Donato Quinto; FBSE Resource Speaker Ms. Marian Jill D. Castrence; Alyckssa Maye J. Castaños and Ms. Florabelle S. Roculas (Accreditation Officer).

This initiative underscores DOT Caraga's commitment to sustainable tourism and the professional development of community frontliners across the region.

12/10/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗣 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿

The pioneering batch of Indigenous Peoples (IP) Youth in Agusan del Sur has successfully completed the 7-day Community Tour Guiding Training. Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga through its Tourism Industry Skills Program (TISP), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, this marks the province’s 4th overall batch of community tour guides, and proudly stands as the very first batch composed entirely of IP youth.

Throughout the weeklong program, participants deepened their knowledge of the province’s rich history, natural attractions, and vibrant culture, which included an experiential study visit to the Sugwak to Agusan Museum. Trainees underwent practical exercises in risk management, mastering pre-trail safety briefings, and emergency response protocols. Their skills were further enhanced through hands-on emergency first aid simulations and mock tour guiding presentations.

The training also covered Cultural Sensitivity, Gender and Development (GAD), and the Upgraded Progressive Accreditation System (UPAS). Equipped with these competencies, the graduates are now ready to serve as primary storytellers, environmental stewards, and cultural guardians, ensuring local tourism growth remains inclusive, authentic, and deeply rooted in ancestral pride.

This initiative forms part of DOT Caraga’s meaningful participation in the Indigenous Peoples Month Celebration, reaffirming its commitment to empowering Indigenous Peoples, particularly the youth, through capacity-building opportunities that promote cultural preservation, community-based tourism, and inclusive tourism development across the Caraga Region.

DOT Caraga extends its gratitude to the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, led by Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., through the Provincial Tourism Office, for empowering local IP Youth. Special recognition is also extended to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga, represented by Acting Regional Legal Officer Atty. Keith Russel A. Galvez; Mr. Mario L. Campos, Interim President of the Agusan del Sur IP Youth Organization (ADSIPYO); and Mr. Philip Anthony Ocquiola, Community Development Officer III, whose support was vital to the success of this initiative.

09/10/2026

06/10/2026

𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺𝘀? 𝗙𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆? 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁? 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼?! 💸

Fret not! The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga, in partnership with the Philippine National Police - Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) 13 and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Butuan, will host its seminar titled SPOT, VERIFY, PROTECT: Strengthening Tourism Enterprises Against Online and Physical Scams on October 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM via ZOOM.

Kaya to our DOT Accredited Establishment and Frontliner, save the date and join us here: https://tinyurl.com/ZoomForScamProtection

See you!

05/10/2026

𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗟 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Region, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Tourism Office, conducted the Tourism Awareness and Tourist Reception Seminar at La Dolce Vita Inland Resort in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, on September 21–23, 2026.

The training brought together members of the Provincial and City Tourism Councils, tourism frontliners from various tourism establishments, and City/Municipal Tourism Officers from across the province.

The activity aimed to strengthen participants’ awareness and understanding of tourism, as well as their knowledge, skills, and competencies in tourist reception and frontline service. It highlighted the important role of tourism stakeholders in contributing to the development of the local tourism industry and in shaping visitors’ overall experience and perception of the destination.

As part of the tourism awareness component, participants were provided with a broader understanding of the tourism industry, its key components, the tourism value chain, and the interconnected roles of government, tourism councils, communities, and private tourism stakeholders. The discussions emphasized that tourism development is a shared responsibility and that each stakeholder has a significant role in creating a destination that is welcoming, responsive, sustainable, and visitor-ready.

Facilitated by DOT Trainer Mr. Tryll G. Chiu, the seminar also provided participants with practical insights on effective tourist reception and frontline service. Emphasis was placed on appropriate reception and guiding techniques to help tourism stakeholders confidently interact with visitors, respond to their needs, and contribute to a positive and memorable tourism experience.

Strengthening these competencies is essential in promoting visitor satisfaction, enhancing the destination’s image, and supporting the sustainable growth of the local tourism industry. More importantly, well-informed, empowered, and service-oriented tourism stakeholders contribute to creating a welcoming environment where every visitor feels valued and well received.

The DOT Caraga Region extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte, under the leadership of Governor Angelica M. Amante, through the Provincial Tourism Office, for its invaluable support and continued partnership in strengthening the capacity and tourism awareness of local stakeholders.

02/10/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗣 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Region, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, commenced Day 1 of the 7-day 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 incorporating the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, Gender and Development, and Childsafe Tourism on October 1, 2026, at the Provincial Learning Center, Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur. The training program will run from October 1 to 7, 2026.

The training was participated in by aspiring community tour guides across various municipalities of Agusan del Sur, including representatives from Indigenous Cultural Communities: the Manobo group from Trento, San Nicolas - Talacogon, Loreto, La Paz, Sta. Josefa, Bunawan, San Francisco, Prosperidad, Esperanza, and Sibagat; the Banwaon group from San Luis; and the Higaonon group from Esperanza.

Facilitated by Resource Speaker 𝗠𝗿. 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗔. 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀, the training covered key modules of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), including the Philippine Tourism Situationer, the 7Ms of Filipino Hospitality, the G.U.E.S.T. service model, and the H.E.A.R.T. method for service recovery.

By integrating cultural warmth, inclusivity, and child protection standards into frontline tourism, the training empowers IP Youth to deliver exceptional, safe, and memorable experiences to visitors while promoting sustainable tourism growth in the province.

DOT Caraga extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, under the leadership of Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., through the Provincial Tourism Office, for its invaluable support and continued partnership in strengthening the capacity of local tourism stakeholders.

02/10/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗕𝗦𝗘 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗡𝗦𝗨 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Region, in partnership with the Municipal Tourism Office of Malimono, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) Malimono Campus successfully conducted the 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗙𝗕𝗦𝗘) 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 on October 1, 2026, at SNSU Malimono Campus Gym, Malimono, Surigao del Norte.

The training was attended by SNSU faculty members and students, who gained valuable insights and practical knowledge on delivering exceptional service and creating meaningful experiences for visitors and guests.

Mr. Ryan Malbas Tapayan, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of DOT Caraga, delivered a message emphasizing the importance of FBSE Training in promoting service excellence and strengthening Filipino hospitality among tourism stakeholders.

The training session, facilitated by DOT Certified FBSE Trainer Ms. Marian Jill D. Castrence provided an in-depth discussion of key topics, including the significance of the FBSE, the 7Ms of Filipino Hospitality and Service, the G.U.E.S.T. steps to achieving service excellence, the 5As of Local Tourism, and the H.E.A.R.T. approach to Service Recovery.

This training highlights Filipino warmth, empathy, and respect, turning everyday interactions into memorable experiences. Through professionalism and consistency, tourism frontliners build customer loyalty, strengthen national pride, and contribute to tourism growth and the country’s positive global reputation.

DOT Caraga extends its heartfelt gratitude to SNSU Malimono Campus, under the leadership of Campus Director Dr. Jerry B. Acero, for his unwavering support in the successful implementation of this training, and to the Municipal Government of Malimono, Surigao del Norte, through Municipal Mayor Arnel S. Amalla, for its invaluable support and assistance in making this training a success.

02/10/2026

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐏 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠! 🇵🇭

In celebration of 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 this October, the Provincial Tourism Office, in partnership with the Department of Tourism – Caraga and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), represented by Ma’am Alfe Mary Osin, IPMR Support Staff, conducted the first day of the 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐏 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 at the Provincial Learning Center – Kahimunan Hall 2, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

The first day featured the 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐅𝐁𝐒𝐄), facilitated by 𝐒𝐢𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐀. 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬, 𝐅𝐁𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫, highlighting the importance of delivering warm, professional, and meaningful service to visitors.

Through this training, we continue to equip our IP youth with the skills and confidence to share their culture, stories, and communities with visitors—helping keep our heritage alive while creating more meaningful tourism experiences.