DOT, PIA partner in bringing Pinoy’s service excellence to Agusan Sur IOs, media partners
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In a bid to strengthen the culture of hospitality and professionalism among public and private communicators, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga joined forces to conduct the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) training for public information officers and media partners on January 27.
The one-day training, held in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, gathered information officers from various provincial offices, municipalities, as well as national government agencies (NGAs) from across Agusan del Sur, along with media practitioners, to immerse themselves in the values and practices that define Filipino service excellence.
The initiative comes at a crucial time as Agusan del Sur prepares to host the Palarong Pambansa in May, an event expected to draw thousands of athletes, coaches, and visitors from all over the country.
Strengthening Communication Through Hospitality
DOT trainer Marian Jill D. Castrence underscored the importance of weaving Filipino hospitality into communicators’ daily work. “As media and information officers in your respective departments, you are being trained today on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence—not to restrict or limit your information dissemination, but to strengthen it through professionalism, empathy, and genuine Filipino hospitality,” she said.
Castrence explained that the FBSE framework is not only about customer service but also about how government communicators engage with the public. “I hope that you will be able to apply what you have learned not only in your work, but also in your daily life, because service excellence begins with the values we practice every day,” she added.
Preparing for the Palarong Pambansa
The training was seen as a timely intervention, equipping participants with the skills to welcome and serve the influx of visitors during the upcoming national sports event. With Agusan del Sur set to take center stage, the province’s communicators are expected to play a vital role in ensuring that guests experience the warmth and hospitality of the Agsurnon people.
Leopoldo K. Pendon Jr., municipal information officer (MIO) of La Paz, expressed his appreciation for the program. “As someone whose daily routine is facing people, training such as the FBSE reinforces even more our role not just as ordinary workers, but as public servants,” he said. Pendon highlighted that the modules provided practical approaches to ensuring customer satisfaction, which he believes would be of much help during the Palarong Pambansa.
He added that the training boosted their confidence in showcasing Agusan del Sur’s distinct hospitality. “We will now be more confident as we prepare for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in our province—showing the visitors the Agsurnon hospitality that will leave a mark as they leave the province after the event,” Pendon remarked.
Building a Culture of Excellence
Beyond the sports event, the FBSE training is expected to have lasting effects on the way local government units and media partners deliver information and services. By instilling values of empathy, clarity, and respect, the program aims to elevate the standards of public communication in Caraga.
The collaboration between DOT and PIA Caraga reflects a broader commitment to promoting culture and service excellence in governance. It also highlights the role of communicators as frontliners in bridging government initiatives with the public.
As Agusan del Sur gears up for one of the country’s biggest sporting events, the FBSE training stands as a testament to the province’s readiness to welcome the nation with pride and hospitality. For the participants, the lessons learned go beyond the workplace—they serve as reminders that service excellence is a way of life, deeply rooted in Filipino values. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
