Guimaras State University (GSU) successfully conducted a three-day Hospital Housekeeping Skills Training for the staff of Dr. Catalino Gallego-Nava Provincial Hospital, aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of the hospital’s job utility personnel. Held from September 5 to 7, 2023, the training program was spearheaded by Prof. Anelyn P. Anas, who served as the lead trainer, alongside Instr. Dennis M. Gaylan, and was facilitated by fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students.
The training, which was attended by 50 utility staff members from the hospital, covered a broad range of essential topics, including Cleaning vs. Sanitation, the 5S in Housekeeping, Safety and Sanitation, Waste Segregation, Cleaning in Patient Rooms, Office Cleaning, Laundry and Linen Handling, and Customer Service. These subjects are vital to maintaining cleanliness and providing a high standard of service in healthcare settings.
Incorporating both theoretical instruction and practical demonstrations, the training ensured that participants not only learned the concepts but also applied them in real-world scenarios. Trainers conducted step-by-step demonstrations of housekeeping operations, followed by return demonstrations from the hospital staff to reinforce the learning.
The initiative was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Inocencio H. Lopez, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Dr. Catalino Gallego-Nava Provincial Hospital. He initiated the request for the training as part of the hospital’s preparations for its upcoming license renewal. Recognizing that newly hired personnel required specialized skills to perform their duties effectively, Dr. Lopez sought this extension activity to enhance the utility staff’s proficiency, particularly in customer service and housekeeping.
The training is also aligned with a research study conducted by GSU’s hospitality management department, which assessed housekeeping practices in establishments across the province of Guimaras. As part of its mission to impact the community, the department is committed to providing both research and extension activities that offer practical benefits to local industries and services.
In addition to the core housekeeping and customer service training, GSU plans to extend further assistance to the hospital staff in the form of upskill training focused on gender roles and related laws on gender development. This training aims to ensure that hospital staff are aware of their roles within society and can contribute effectively in a diverse and inclusive environment.
This collaborative effort highlights GSU’s ongoing commitment to supporting community development by equipping local professionals with the skills necessary to meet industry standards and contribute positively to their workplaces and society.
