DFA helps students show their best

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs is teaching protocol to hospitality service students in Cebu to equip them with skills in dealing with other people once they are employed.

In an International Protocol Seminar sponsored by the University of San Carlos School of Business and Economics, DFA Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin and Republic of Latvia Honorary Consul Robert Lim Joseph have emphasized the importance of protocol not only to students but also to teachers.

Ebdalin said protocol is very important being a compilation of norms and practices for good manners and right conduct.

“In everyday life you have to be able to do what is proper to carry yourself properly to do what is good conduct in your relations with your fellow being,” he said.

Ebdalin said students in the hospitality services have to deal with a lot of foreigners when they get employed.

“You have to show your best to the world, that Filipinos are civilized,” he said.

Having also served as Ambassador in foreign countries, Ebdalin told the students that the image of the Philippines outside is not good.

Joseph, the founding chairman of Tourism Educators and Movers (TEAM), also emphasized the importance on knowing how to handle tourists and guests.

“Their needs and requirements must be anticipated and very important persons must be recognized properly from the rest,” he said.

Joseph also pointed out that protocol is not only used in diplomatic work but also in the hospitality industry particularly in Cebu, being a number one tourist destination.

“Hospitality industry dapat mayroon na silang alam tungkol sa protocol,” Joseph said.

“We have to have people in the hotels, government, all of them should have proper etiquette, proper manners in handling these people,” he added.  (FREEMAN)