In response to findings from the study, Accommodation Practices of the Transport Sector in Guimaras Island: A Tourist Perspective, and to promote congruency of the GSU extension undertakings with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, specifically the SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, Guimaras State University College of Business and Management (CBM) Tourism and Hospitality Management Department launched a Customer Service Skills Training Program. This extension initiative aimed to enhance the service capabilities of motorcycle drivers in Buenavista, equipping them with essential customer care skills to better serve local passengers, commuters, and tourists visiting the municipality.
The training, held in collaboration with the Buenavista Local Government Unit (LGU), targeted a total of 700 registered motorcycle drivers in Buenavista. To accommodate the large number of participants, the program was conducted over nine days in ten batches from March 14 to March 31, 2023, at the Buenavista Municipal Hall.
The training sessions featured expert speakers, including PMSgt. Kevin B. Aquino from the Highway Patrol Group and Ms. Ma. Asuncion H. Trespeses from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Guimaras District Office. They provided valuable insights on traffic safety, safe driving practices, and traffic laws. Following this, GSU’s Instructor Carlyn Mae Morado led a comprehensive seminar on customer service skills. She demonstrated the “Mabuhay Gesture,” a signature Filipino greeting, teaching drivers how to extend a warm welcome to visitors and tourists.
In addition to lectures, the program included interactive workshops where drivers practiced and presented their skills, reinforcing their understanding of the concepts shared. This initiative by GSU and LGU Buenavista underscores the commitment to improving the transport sector’s service quality, ultimately contributing to a more welcoming and safe environment for all who visit Guimaras Island.
