LINGAYEN, Pangasinan: 41 OFWs completed the Tourism Kulinarya pilot training under the Balik Bayani Sa Turismo (BBST) program conducted on August 7–9 at Sison Auditorium here.
The graduates are from the municipalities of Anda, Burgos, Bugallon, Calasiao, Infanta, Labrador, Lingayen, Manaoag, Mangaldan, and Sta. Barbara. They were awarded certificates and cash incentives amounting to P10,000.00 during the closing ceremony.
The BBST Culinary Training is part of the national government’s reintegration program aimed at boosting livelihood and income opportunities for modern-day heroes and their families.
ASEC Maria Rica C. Bueno, TRCRG, DOT, said that the President, along with DOT Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco and DMW Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac recognizes the contributions of OFWs to nation-building.
Thus, the DOT, in collaboration with DMW, launched the BBST program.
It provides capacity building and skills training to returning OFWs and their families, offering them new opportunities in the travel and tourism industry.
“The overall objective of all the training programs of the agency is to uplift or improve the quality of tourism services and facilities in the country,” ASEC Bueno added.
Pangasinan was chosen as a pilot area for the 1st BBST Kulinarya Training Program because it garnered the highest number of respondents.
Kulinarya, or culinary, was the top choice, followed by micro-retail, tour guiding, farm tourism, and homestays.
The training program promises numerous advantages, including the creation of alternative livelihoods for families, the growth of a skilled workforce for the economy, and enriching tourism experiences through unique culinary offerings.
As such, it is with high hope that through the BBST program and Tourism Kulinarya training, Pangasinan will emerge as one of the best food destinations in the Philippines.
“When you left the Philippines, you were all considered our bayanis, but, all the more, you are a bayani coming back to the Philippines, Governor Ramon Guico III said.
The governor commended the DOT and DMW for launching the program.
Similarly, the provincial government of Pangasinan, through the Pangasinan Migration and Development Council, has come up with the Volunteerism Awards for Outstanding OFW Associations and Overseas Filipinos (OF/Ws) Family Associations in the province entitled ‘BOLUN Awards’ aimed at recognizing the selfless service and dedication of these associations in promoting the welfare of OFWs and their families within the province as well as their exceptional and extra-ordinary contributions of OF/W Family Associations in the implementation of the province’s programs and services through volunteerism.
The event was graced by Dir. Arlene A. Alipio, OIC Director, DOT-OIMD; RD Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega, Regional Director, DOT-Region 1; Labor Attache Delmer R. Cruz, OIC Director, DMW-NRCO; RD Romeo A. Jaramilla, OIC-Regional Director, DMW Region 1; Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil; PTCAO Chief Maria Luisa Amor Elduayan; PESO Manager Ma. Richelle M. Raguindin; and Chef Ellen C. Rivera, ASEAN Master Trainer Assessor, among others.
(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos, PIMRO)
