 |
| (Image Source: Rappler) |
Imagine
that you are a foreign businessman who want to spend time with your family in
either Boracay and Palawan. And once you arrive at the airport, you will be
surprised to learn that your former maid is now working as your tour guide.
Little did we know, what we could imagine may become possible in the near
future.
The
Department of Tourism (DOT) is slated to start a reintegration program for returning
overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who want to work and serve as tour guides,
especially to non-English speaking tourists and travelers visiting the country.
In lieu of this development, the agency is now working with the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE) in helping OFWs become tour guides once they decide
to work in our shores.
During
her recent visit to Cebu, DOT Undersecretary Alma Jimenez stated that OFWs are considered
as the country's tourism ambassadors abroad showcasing Filipino culture and
hospitality in foreign lands. It is well-noted that robust OFW remittances
remain a resilient strong pillar in the growth and improvement of our country's
economy, which makes much sense to me why their experience, hardwork and
perseverance have led them to their own success not only for the country but
also for their families.
Once
they come home and decide not to seek for other job opportunities abroad, they
could be offered to work as tourism assets in helping the country take care of foreign
guests. And according to Jimenez, it is better for the agency to train
returning overseas workers to boost the country's tourism campaign rather than
teaching foreign language classes to new and young travel guides. With the
right direction, it is without any doubts that those who have worked in other
countries may be beyond being tagged as our nation"s unsung heroes knowing
that they know the language and culture of the countries they have worked at
and so on.
