TMO, PSFI Inc. hold orientation for Tour Guides

Participants, TMO staff and youth ambassadors pose for posterity.
The Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) conducted an Orientation on the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park for Tour Guides on 30 May 2016. It aims to increase the appreciation and understanding of tour guides of the values of the Tubbataha Reefs and engender an understanding of Park regulations and their rationale. TMO and PSFI also aim to ensure that local tour guides know how the Park is being managed so that they can share the information with their guests.
A lecture on the Seven Environmental Principles served as the foundational topic for the orientation. This was followed by topics on the geography, biodiversity, and significance of Tubbataha. A lecture on how the Park is being managed was also provided. The orientation was capped with a walk-through of the rules and regulations in the Park.
Fidel Pacia Jr., affirmed that ‘the orientation enabled us (tour guides) to gain basic know-how about the history, operation, management, biodiversity, threats and challenges in Tubbataha,’ He went on to say that ‘this activity will boost our confidence in accurately responding to inquiries about Tubbataha from tourists and influence our guests to be responsible tourists wherever they go’.
In participation were: Fidel Pacia Jr, April Macabales, Steve John Agustin, Mulyadie Araha, Bojie Bontogon, Alvin Saclet, Kristina Magnaye, Kimpoy dela Rosa, Aloha Fernandez, Ena Ignacio Ayn Denys Mallari, Jeb Danes, Vincent John Villanueva, Rey Abadiano, Joannah Maria Gacott, Dyan Casares, David Cabardo, maye Logarta, Richard Adelantar and Ariel dela Torre.