On September 19, 2025, the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office (PTCO), led by Acting Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer Marichelle O. Costales, held the 3rd Provincial Tour Guides Assembly and Seminar in the Ammungan Hall of the Capitol Compound, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. Tour guides and barangay tanods from all municipalities in the province were in attendance to learn more about accreditation and applicable societal strides in tourism.
“This group here is a combination of eco-guides, local guides, and historical guides all brought together,” declared Ms. Costales. “This is not just an assembly, but it is also a seminar. (You can learn about) Gender and Development, and a basic introduction to Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. These are global trends and sustainable development goals. The hours spent here will count towards your accreditation. Being a guide is not just tagging along with your tourists up mountains and waterfalls.”
In a message from BM Eunice Galima-Gambol, Chairperson for Tourism and Arts, she proclaimed the attendees ‘not just tour guides, but storytellers, the first faces our visitors see.’ “We are very proud of the work you do,” BM Gambol’s message continued. “Thank you for your passion and professionalism in making our province truly unforgettable.”
Department of Tourism Region II (DOT-R2) Director Troy Alexander G. Miano likewise echoed the sentiment, as well as praising the provincial government for its initiative towards tourism. “I am a living witness of how your leaders make sure tourism is a priority under Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito,” said Dir. Miano. “Yet the advocacy of the Governor and the projects and programs of Ma’am (Marichelle O. Costales) would not have succeeded without you, her partners, so let us all be thankful today. It is in your hands to promote our tourism. Nueva Vizcaya is truly naturally vibrant because of you.”
Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito took on a practical and encouraging tone in addressing the tour guides present, extolling not only the ongoing infrastructural projects intended to bolster tourism, but the provincial government’s partnership with national agencies for the benefit of the constituency. “One problem for our province is accessibility,” said Governor Gambito. “Congressman Timothy Cayton has declared his support. The future of tourism in our province is very bright. You are our first partners that help us grow the tourism industry of our province. We will work together to make our tourism beautiful. With your support and the support of our regional director, there is no reason for the tourism in our province not to become better.”
The seminar included a lecture from DOT representative Rose V. Rillo on the accreditation process for the tour guides, providing not only steps and requirements but the benefits of such recognition. Mrs. Amalia Decena of the National Anti-Poverty Commission and representative from the Office of the President discussed in broad strokes the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and barrier-free tourism for PWDs. Aside from sensitivity training, which covered usable terms and etiquette around PWDs, the lecture included practical guide training for blind tourists and a short lesson in American Sign Language that covered greetings.
Population Program Officer Elvira G. Tongson covered the focal points of Gender and Development (GAD), as well as the Safe Spaces Act and applicable elements to tourism. To round out the lectures, Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya 2025 Karen Mae Guieb spoke of her own ‘key principles’ as the Tourism Ambassador of the province, which include promoting not only local and small businesses, but the tourism features of the province.
In keeping abreast of modern trends and the SDGs, the PTCO affirmed the DOT-R2 Director’s observation of not only tourism being a priority under the current administration, but the ‘extension of public service covering not only all sectors, but people in the margins’. With Governor Gambito’s affirmation of not only securing the future of the tour guides by partnering with national agencies, but also securing the future of tourism in the province through improved accessibility, the future of tourism in the province will only continue to grow through the efforts of the provincial government. /igmb
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