Cebu Chamber to launch SET program next month

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Tourism Committee is set to formally launch one of its flagship programs this year, called “Serbisyo Eskwela Turismo” (SET) during the upcoming Cebu Business Month (CBM 2012) next month.

Prior to the formal launching, the CCCI tourism committee headed by Milagros Espina had done initial pilot works on this program, in partnership with the Cebu Government.

SET is a partnership with the Province of Cebu and the academe in setting the standardization of tourism infrastructure and services and in crafting creative tour packages in selected municipalities to boost countryside tourism.

Initial output of the SET will be highlighted during the Tourism Congress 2012 set on June 28, said the Congress’ chairperson Maria Theresa Chan.

This year’s 22nd Tourism Congress will situate itself in the current tourism thrusts of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and tackles new perspectives and concerns which will sustain Cebu’s tourism programs and involve the various sectors of community, Chan said.

It will also push the creation of support programs that sustain growth of tourism and expand Cebu’s global presence and market.

Institutionalizing the SET program is one of the chamber’s strongest bets to push tourism in Cebu, specifically maximizing the high potential tourism destinations within the province.

Through SET, CCCI will work closely with the Provincial Government, sustaining the successful “Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo” initiative making its a sustainable program.

Part of the plan is to tap the academe sector and involve the students in the tourism-related   courses to take their OJT (on-the-job) training in the different towns in Cebu, helping municipalities and private sector stakeholders to promote products and services.

Reportedly, Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has already vowed to support the project, in fact Garcia already vowed to provide brand-new transportation facility in each municipality to service visiting tourists. (FREEMAN)