Pto Practicum

A Practicum Report on

PROVINVCIAL TOURISM OFFICE Capitol Hills, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course LOCAL PRACTICUM

For a Degree in Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Industry Management

Department of Hospitality Industry Management International School of Asia and the Pacific Alimannao Hills, Peñablanca, Cagayan

Submitted to: Ms. Diana C. Tungcul Practicum Coordinator

Submitted by: Michelle Pambid

Introduction

On-the-job training or better known as OJT, means employee training at the place of work while he or she is doing the actual job. Usually a professional trainer (or sometimes an experienced employee) serves as the course instructor, and employs the principles of learning (participation, repetition, relevance, transference, and feedback) often supported by formal classroom training.

As 3rd year students HIM students, we are exposed to such programs to introduce to us the actual work setting and serve as a training for us to have a background knowledge to the possible establishments we will soon work in to.

Cagayan is the Regional Seat of the Cagayan Valley Region.

Tuguegarao City, the capital, is the seat of commerce and trade and center for learning. The province has 73 percent of the region’s potential fishing area.

Known as the spelunker’s, trekker’s, and gamefisher’s paradise rolled into one, Cagayan provides a never-ending adventure with ecotourism in the forefront of its offering. Both foreign and local tourists continue to explore its caves, engage in gamefishing expeditions, trek its mighty mountains and retreat to its centuries-old churches.

Present day chroniclers say that the name was derived from the word “tagay,” a kind of plant that grows abundantly in the northern part of the province. Thus, “Catagayan” which means a place where the tagay grows abundantly was shortened to “Cagayan,” the present name of the province.

The Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) is a division under the Office of the Governor which undertakes the development and promotion of tourism in the province by way of set plans, programs and activities intended to project the province as a tourist destination of special interest in terms of culture, history, religion, natural sites, and trade investments.

Provincial Government of Cagayan I.

VISION “Cagayan – a progressive, peaceful and safe place to live in” Extracted from the 100 days –Executive Report of the Hon. Governor Alvaro T. Antonio, Oct. 17, 2007

II.

MISSION The mission of the Provincial Government of Cagayan, as stipulated in the local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) is to uplift the quality of life of every Cagayano by

providing for his basic needs, maintaining the quality of his environments and ensuring a just and humane society through committed public service, resulting in a secure and empowered citizenry enjoying the fruits of sustainable development.

1.

Provide better access to basic services through improved service and utility infrastructure;

2.

Improve revenue generation and fund management to better address social and economic requirements;

3.

Effect a participatory approach in local development planning and investment programming;

4.

Focus on education and development of sound, God-centered, values-oriented families and social groups;

5.

Introduce innovative schemes that would benefit marginalized citizens and;

6.

Adopt the use of Information and Communication Technology with the end in view of improving service delivery, maintaining the public trust, promoting fiscal transparency and increasing revenue collection.

III.

GOALS The Office hopes to improve the quality of life of the Cagayanos that ensures optimum and judicious utilization of resources for sustainable and equitable development.

IV.

OBJECTIVES 1.

To provide an effective executive direction, control and supervision of provincial affairs.

2.

To promote the socio-economic development of the province through the coordination of the various offices of the Provincial Government of Cagayan.

3.

To help establish and maintain peace and order for the promotion of economic growth and general well-being.

V.

MANDATES/FUNCTIONS 1.

Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services, and activities of the provincial government;

2.

Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the province and the exercise of the appropriate corporate powers;

3.

Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, and to utilize and harness these resources well to effectively implement development plans, program objectives and priorities;

4.

Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities;

5.

Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

VI. Organizational Structure of the Office of the Governor (See chart 1) VII.

MAJOR SERVICES OF THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

1.

Medical Assistance/Aid in Crisis

-

medical

hospitalization and purchase of necessary medicines

assistance

for

indigents’

2.

Financial Assistance and Donations - financial assistance and donations to local government units, barangay units, academe, cooperatives, organizations and other groups;

3.

Attention to Resolutions - review of small and huge infrastructure projects and other special community development projects for endorsement to People’s Action Center, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Department of Education and other agencies

4.

Recommendations and Referrals - preparation of recommendations, and endorsements for possible employment, promotion and referral

5.

Request for Ambulance- assistance in case of emergency, to carry patients to nearest hospitals

6.

Request for Cadaver Vehicle – assistance to bereaved families to carry cadaver for burial services.

7.

PESO Management (Recommendations and Referrals)

8.

Disaster Management and Relief Operations- assistance to the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Committee in times of disasters and calamities

VIII. Services with Corresponding Flowcharts (See chart 2) IX.

LINK WITH OTHER AGENCIES: The Office of the Governor is basically among the frontline agencies in the Provincial Government of Cagayan. Various links include the various local government units including the three congressional districts, municipal and barangay units. I.

NATIONAL AGENCIES: •

Office of the President

•

Presidential Management Staff

•

House of Senate

•

House of Representatives

•

Department of Agriculture (DA)

•

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

•

Commission on Audit (COA)

•

Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA)

•

Civil Service Commission (CSC)

•

Department of Education (DEPED)

•

Commission on Election (COMELEC)

•

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

•

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)

•

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

•

Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD)

•

Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

•

Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG)

•

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

•

Department of Justice (DOJ)

•

Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)

•

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

•

Bureau of Mines and Geosciences

•

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)

•

National Food Authority (NFA)

•

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)

•

National Nutrition Council (NNC)

•

National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM)

•

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)

•

Philippine

Atmospheric

Geophysical

Astronomical

Services

Administration (PAG-ASA)

X.

•

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHILHEALTH)

•

Philippine Information Agency (PIA)

•

Philippine National Police (PNP)

•

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

•

Regional Trial Court (RTC)

•

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

•

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

•

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

•

Department of Tourism (DOT)

•

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

II.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

III.

NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

IV.

MEDIA

ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM UNIQUE IN THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR (See chart 3)

XI.

FEEDBACK MECHANISM Oral and written reports are use as feedback mechanism in the Office.

XII.

FORMS USED EXCLUSIVELY BY THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 1.

Routing Slips

2.

Visitors/Request Forms

XIII. PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES 1.

General Administrative and Support Services control/supervise provincial development affairs; direct/formulate/evaluate programs/projects; execute all contracts, prepare performance budget of the province; approved commutation of vacation leaves, etc..; authorize medical payments, etc

2.

Public Assistance Services – receive complaints; direct and supervise over the provincial jail; assist and provide medical assistance to indigent families; grant, extend financial assistance to barangays, municipalities, NGO’s and PO’s and schools.

3.

Public Employment Service Office (PESO : 3.1

the management in the conduct of Special Program for the Employment of Students

XIV.

3.2

job facilitation and recruitment activities

3.3

referral of applicants to job vacancies in different establishments

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Sports Development- the conduct of sports activities for fitness and health of employees and other Cagayanos (i.e. Inter-agency Sports Tournament, etc.); and participation to other worthwhile provincial and national sports activities

Museum Office I.

VISION

A community of people aware, appreciative and proud of their identity as Cagayanos working collectively and harmoniously for the sustenance and development of their cultural heritage and natural patrimony. II.

MISSION

The Cagayan Museum as the cultural service arm of the Provincial Government of Cagayan shall provide direction, initiative, expertise and accurate information on the history, culture and arts of Cagayan North. III.

GOALS

To enhance the Provincial Museum as a supplement to formal education and make it a must-see destination and to undertake and encourage the preservation, conservation, appreciation & development of our cultural and natural resources. IV.

OBJECTIVES

To provide direction and initiative for the sustainable development of Cagayan North’s culture & arts and jumpstart its integration into the mainstream of the Contemporary Cagayano way of Life. V.

MANDATES/FUNCTIONS

The Office of the Cagayan Historical and Research Center was created in Tuguegarao, Cagayan by virtue of Provincial Board of Cagayan Resolution No. 126 dated February 18, 1973 in response to the need for a Curatorial Staff that shall oversee the set-up and operations of the Cagayan Museum & Historical Research Center that eventually became fully operational on August 16, 1973. As such, it is charged with the functions of collecting and preserving items, gather historical data and allied documents relevant to the life, history and culture of the Cagayanos and the province. To date, it is a division directly under the Office of the Governor that takes charge of culture and arts concerns of the province.

VI.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE MUSEUM OFFICE (See chart 4)

VII.

MAJOR SERVICES OF THE MUSUEM OFFICE

Guided Tours, Library & Research Services - The technical staff assists the general public in touring them around the provincial museum and assists students and institutions who want to know about the cultural heritage of the Cagayanos. VIII.

SERVICES WITH CORRESPONDING FLOWCHARTS (See chart 5)

OTHER SERVICES Support and assistance (financial & technical) to promising local artists and cultural groups- assisting local students who are interested as local artist and members of cultural groups by conducting training programs for them. Printing jobs and other art works- doing other printing jobs of some valuable artworks related to the cultural heritage of the Cagayanos. Special/Outreach Exhibits- joining in the conduct of Exhibits in the province and in the region.

IX.

LINK WITH OTHER AGENCIES:

Educational Organizations: Local Schools and Universities LGUs through Local Culture & Arts Councils

National Agencies: National Museum (NM) National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Historical Institute (NHI) National Archives (NA) National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Department of Education (DepEd) Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Department of Tourism (DOT)

Provincial Government of Cagayan Line Agencies: Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Provincial Information Office (PIO) Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Provincial Engineering Office (PEO)

Local Arts & Cultural groups: Local Artists & craftsmen, Local historians, photographers, writers, etc.. Indigenous Peoples/Cultural Communities of Cagayan

Others

Arts & Museum Related/Allied Organizations: Philippine Association of Museums (PAMI) Northern Luzon Association of Museums (NLAM) International Council of Museums (ICOM) Society of Filipino Archivists

Non-Governmental/Special Interests/Corporate Organizations: Conservation International Inc. (CI,Int.) Cagayan Valley Partners for People Development (CAVAPPED) World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Filipino Heritage Foundation, Inc. (FHFI) X.

ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS UNIQUE IN THE MUSEUM OFFICE Policies on Walk –in Tourists

The museum is open to walk in tourists & viewers as well as researchers Museum Hours: 8:30 – 12:00 nn 1:00 -5:00 pm Mondays to Fridays Policies on Educational Field Trips Educational field trips by groups requiring other special services such as lectures, film showing, or guided tour and those who will visit on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays should make a written request addressed to the Museum Curator.

Other Policies All other requests are coursed to the curator in writing or verbally depending upon the nature of the request. Visitors are required to fill up the Museum Visitor Registry/Educational Tour Group Form after touring or availing museum services. Library Service hours are flexible and need not follow that of the Museum in deference to researchers’ time constraints. XI.

FEEDBACK MECHANISM The Museum Visitor Registry Form has a remarks column that provides museum

management instant feedbacks from tourists and other viewers. XII.

FORMS USED EXCLUSIVELY BY THE MUSEUM OFFICE (See chart 6)

XIII.

PROGRAMS, PROJECT AND ACTIVITIES: 1.

Maintenance & Enhancement of the Provincial Museum: 

Exhibits Maintenance & Improvement



Educational & Outreach Programs



Maintenance of the Archives

2. 3.

Research and Documentation Facilities & Equipment Upgrade

4.

Conduct sponsorship, and or support to Culture and Arts-related Events & Activities 

National Arts Month (February)



National Heritage Month (May)



Aggao Nac Cagayan (June)

5.



National Museums & Galleries Months



National Indigenous Peoples Month



Others

Provide support and assistance to entities & individuals actively involved in Culture & the Arts

6.



Capitol Choir and Dance Ensemble



Cagayano Artists Association/Group



Cagayan North Culture & Arts Council



Municipal Culture & Arts Councils



Others

Manpower Efficiency & Skills Development 

Conduct of or participation to capability enhancement and team building for museum staff, artists & other cultural workers such as but not limited to:



Experiential Learning Trips



Trainings



Seminar/Workshops



Conventions, Conferences & Other Forum



Membership to Culture & Arts Allied Association

Provincial Tourism Office I.

VISION The province of Cagayan with its rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage is a premiere tourist destination.

II.

MISSION

To provide direction, expertise, and accurate information on tourism of Cagayan to Cagayanos, visitors, potential tourists, and investors for the sustainable development of Cagayan through a service and value-oriented office harmoniously managed by empowered, efficient and globally competitive staff. III.

GOALS To optimize the contribution of tourism to the economic growth, social cohesion, and heritage preservation and conservation of the province in a sustainable basis.

IV.

OBJECTIVES 1.

To develop a diversity of destinations, attractions and markets;

2.

To device or develop the most appropriate institutional mechanism for plan implementation, monitoring and evaluation;

3.

To identify priority programs and projects to be pursued based on indicative financial, technical and economic feasibility, social acceptability and contributions to the over all development of tourism in the province;

4.

To propose a marketing strategy that will encourage tourism investments in the province;

5.

V.

To establish an adequate database of the Cagayano tourism, culture and arts.

MANDATES/ FUNCTIONS It undertakes the development and promotion of tourism in the province by way of set plans, programs and activities intended to promote the province as a tourist destination of special interest in terms of culture, history, religion, natural sites and trade investment.

VI.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE TOURISM OFFICE

(See chart 7) The PTO is headed by a Division Head and is made up of two (2) Sections – Administrative Section and the Technical Section with subsections - Marketing Section and Planning, Product Development and Coordination Section. The Administrative Section It provides PTO staff with advice on personnel information, records, communications, supplies, equipment, disbursement, security, other custodial work and other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Head. The Marketing and Promotions Section It is responsible in organizing, producing and/ or coordinating programs and projects of public relations, promotions, and publicity that encourages tourists to travel throughout the province of Cagayan and other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Head. Planning, Product Development and Coordination Section It is responsible in formulating, monitoring and evaluating plans for the development of tourism industry including research and surveys, compiling and integrating statistical data. It also encourages and promotes joint undertakings with the private sector of new tourism-related products and programs. It also develops and conceptualizes new products/services which can lead to the enhancement of tourism sites. It also initiates and coordinates priority activities and projects of the division with the private and government sectors. VII. MAJOR SERVICES OF THE TOURISM OFFICE

1.

Resort Reservations and Tour Activity- The staff of the Tourism office has to schedule the visit of requesting groups for the use of the resort and at the same time, prepares itinerary of the tourist to the spots to be visited within the province.

2.

For Group Tours and Walk – In Tourists- same process as no. 1 and also assigns a tourist guide to take charge of the visitors.

VIII.

SERVICES WITH CORRESPONDING FLOWCHARTS (See chart 8)

OTHER SERVICES OF THE TOURISM OFFICE Information Education Campaign  Brochure  Audio Visual Presentation  Travel Exhibit (local & National)  Tourism Awareness and Appreciation Seminar  Tourism Related Industry Congress

IX.

LINK WITH OTHER AGENCIES 1.

Department of Tourism

2.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

3.

Philippine Tourism Authority

4.

Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport

5.

Academe

6.

Non- Government Organizations

7.

Local Government Units

8.

Media

X.

9.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

10.

Land Transportation Office

11.

Philippine National Police

12.

Department of Interior and Local Government

ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS UNIQUE IN THE TOURISM OFFICE (See chart 9)

Policies: 1.

Requests for guide, tour, technical and financial assistance should be made in writing. After receipt of the request, the Head will put a marginal note or recommends to the Governor or directly gives action to the request.

2.

Incidental reports are made by the resort staff concerned then noted by direct supervisor/ General Manager and submitted to the office. If the incident happened in the office the report is directly submitted to the Head of Office. The Head of Office then recommends or gives action to the said matter. 3.

An office staff meeting is done every Monday and resort staff meeting is done every second Tuesday of the month.

XI.

FEEDBACK MECHANISM 1.

A feedback report on every activity/travel conducted by the program Coordinators is required in conformity to their observations and recommendation.

2.

Conduct of open forum in every staff meetings/ group assembly

3.

Putting up of Suggestion Boxes at Callao Resort for comments of tourists and personnel

XII.

4.

Immersion with tourists during their tour or free hours

5.

Monitoring and Evaluation of accomplishments

6.

Sign up of evaluation forms in every activity

FORMS USED EXCLUSIVELY BY THE TOURISM OFFICE (See charts 10)

XIII.

PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES 1. a.

Tourism Development Planning Workshops and Writeshops Updating database This is an annual program wherein the municipal tourism officers submit a list of all tourism-related establishments and activities in their respective localities from which an information database will be drawn.

b.

Tourism product development planning workshop and writeshop/ updating /creating provincial tourism development plan. A Provincial Tourism Development Plan will be formulated and all municipalities will also be preparing their respective tourism development plan.

c.

Upgrade/purchase of equipment such as desktop computer, printer and other accessories.

2.

Marketing and Promotion Project

a.

Formulation and Production of IEC materials such as brochures, billboards, DVD’s, etc;

b.

Participation to different tourism related activities and travel exposition;

c.

Conduct of familiarization tours;

d.

Celebration of National Tourism Month

e.

Conduct of Quiz bee The activity aims to promote awareness and appreciation of our rich natural and man-made environment, diverse culture in the province while transforming the students to become the ambassadors of goodwill to our visitors and tourists.

3.

Tourism Related Industry Congress (TRICON) Strengthens linkages or network among tourism- related establishments and institutions in the province, gather information against the needs of each sector on tourism such as Capability-building seminars and other services

4.

Philippine Travel Mart This aims to introduce and encourage foreign and domestic tourists to come to

Cagayan, and thereby increase tourist arrivals as it aims to showcase our best tourism destinations, products and services like each region/province in the country has to offer.

5.

Purchase of LCD projector video camera and accessories

6.

Updating and maintaining a Cagayan website This enables quick glimpse and promotion of our tourism services and destinations

over the internet - worldwide. The website will also feature demographics and products in the locality to allow foreign investors to consider the potentials of all municipalities in terms of destination and enterprising.

7.

Tourism Product Development Program

a.

Technical and financial support/assistance on tourism related program and activities

b.

Creation of signages to tourism sites

c.

Advocacy program on maintenance of public facilities

d.

Improvement and maintenance of Callao Caves Resort

e.

Rehabilitation of one cottage

f.

Creation of tourism centers

8.

Tourism Service Provider’s Skills & Capability development Program

a.

Tourism-related service trainings and seminars

b.

Familiarization tour/benchmarking mission of tourism staff and other tourism service providers/officials

c.

Tourism awareness and appreciation seminar

Map of the Province of Cagayan

Table of Contents

•

Title page

•

Acknowledgement

•

Table of contents

•

Introduction

•

Provincial Government of Cagayan i. ii. iii. iv.

v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x.

xi. xii. xiii. xiv. •

Museum office i. ii. iii. iv.

v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. xii. xiii.

•

Vision Mission Goals Objectives Mandates/functions Organizational structure of the Office of the Governor Major services of the Office of the Governor Services with corresponding flowcharts Link with other agencies Administrative system unique in the Office of the Governor Feedback mechanism Forms used exclusively by the Office of the Governor Programs, projects, and activities Special programs

Vision Mission Goals Objectives Mandates/functions Organizational structure of the museum office Major services of the museum office Services with corresponding flowcharts Link with other agencies Administrative systems unique in the museum office Feedback mechanisms Forms exclusively used in the museum office Programs, projects, and activities

Provincial Tourism Office

i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. xii. xiii.

Vision Mission Goals Objectives Mandates/functions Organizational structure of tourism office Major services of the tourism office Services with corresponding flowcharts Link with other agencies Administrative systems unique in the tourism office Feedback mechanisms Forms exclusively used in the tourism office Projects, programs, and activities

•

Map of the province of Cagayan

•

SWOT analysis

•

Recommendation

•

My On-the-job Training Experience

•

Documentation

Acknowledgment

I would like to thank these following persons which contributed in the making of this practicum report:

First of all to our Almighty God who blessed, guided, and helped me everyday and especially during my OJT at the Provincial Tourism Office.

To my beloved parents who supported me financially in making this practicum report.

To our kind Practicum Coordinator that gave us the opportunity to have our OJT in the office.

To the energetic and kind staff of the Provincial Tourism Office that opened to us the doors of actual work set-up and gave us the opportunities to get involved in their activities.

Lastly, to my supportive and helpful OJT companions who are always there to help me during the times there are tasks that given to me.

My On-the-Job Training Experience

Like most of first timers, I also felt scared and nervous because I don’t know how I will act as a student trainee. When our group met the staff of PTO, my negative feelings subside because they are kinds to us and then one of the staff toured us around the Provincial Capitol of Cagayan, in which I find it beautiful and elegant. During the division of work, I and Haini, which is my classmate and co-trainee, were assigned to the Callao Caves Resort and Ecotourism Zone.

One time me and my group mates helped clearing and rearranging the office to make it convenient at the same time pleasing to the eye.

On January 23, 2009, Ma’am Jen sent a message that we need to report in the office because Mr. Palabyab, the DOT undersecretary, will arrive. However, the undersecretary did not arrive which disappointed us.

A task was given to us that we will contact and ask the hotels in the city if they have promos for the upcoming Valentine’s Day and if there are any changes in their rates and we successfully accomplished it.

We helped Ma’am Ayuyang, the PTO OIC, in preparing the reservation in the resort. After that we were tasked to make a questionnaire for the upcoming tourism quiz bee.

We also had done encoding tasks during our stay in the office.

Another task given to me during my practicum in the office is that to make a summary of the foreign visitors that went to Callao caves.

In the preparation of the training-seminar for tour guides to be conducted in Callao Caves Resort and Ecotourism Zone, we assisted in photocopying handouts and preparing materials to be used in that event.

In Callao Caves Resort and Ecotourism Zone, we did the task assigned to us which is to manage the reservations and the inventory sheets which since it was our first time, we encountered difficulty but later it went easy because we were given examples for us to follow.

Most of the time, our task in the resort area was to clean the surroundings by sweeping the roadways and the cottages.

Our next task in Callao Caves Resort and Ecotourism Zone was to assist the ticketing officer in the caves area which is in the opposite bank of the Pinacanauan River. The place was very peaceful and close to nature. Ma’am Beth Tagiunod, the ticketing officer, requested us to go to the information office in order to gave the list and also distribute the other OJT’s assigned in the area.

We helped the ticketing officer in assisting the visitors in the caves area which during that day there are many of them and told them to refrain from bringing food inside the caves.

One time we have to clean on the cottages in the resort area because there are 4 foreign guests who have checked out.

We also do the laundering of linens that guests used during their stay in the resort. We also cleaned the Ybanag cottage because we are expecting many guests for the day.

We were given the opportunity to enter the San Carlos cave and I was so excited I can’t sleep. Sir Joandre, the resort manager, with another tour guide, and us entered the cave. I can’t explain my feeling when we are inside.

I attended the first day of the training-seminar for tour guides but at the same time my last day of duty. I did not further continue it which I greatly regretted it.

I truly enjoyed my OJT experience in OJT. I hope my next one will be more enjoyable at the same time more challenging than the first.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: •

They offer wide range destinations suited for different kinds of travelers.

•

They freely gave information about destinations to the tourist and visitors.

•

They have a wide ranger of opportunities for investors to invest in developing tourist destinations.

Weaknesses: •

The office is difficult to locate and you have to enter another office before reaching the place.

•

The resort area has facilities that are old that it is left behind by time.

•

Projects are not easily implemented due to budget shortages.

Opportunities: •

Further improvement of services.

•

Offering new range of destinations to travelers seeking for relaxation, education, pilgrims and adventure.

•

Investments to develop the tourism destinations in the province of Cagayan.

Threats: •

Miscommunication between the staff.

•

The global financial crisis.

•

Unforeseen events that affect the tourism industry of Cagayan like natural calamities.

Recommendation

Basing on the SWOT analysis, we would like to recommend the following in order to further improve the performance of PTO: •

Improvement of the resort area by renovating, rehabilitating, and upgrading its facilities.

•

Have a good communication between the concerned people in the office to avoid delays and dilemmas.

•

Aggressive advertisement in order to introduce Cagayan as a tourist destination.

•

Have an official website of PTO where transactions can also be done there.

•

Continue the good relations to the tourists and visitors who come in the province.