Philippine tourism workers ready for ASEAN economic integration

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Workers in the tourism industry are seen to have more employment opportunities when the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) starts economic integration next year, according to an official of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Tourism Assistant Secretary Arturo P. Boncato Jr. said in a recent interview here that the Philippines’ tourism workforce is considered “among the best in the world” and should easily be able to land employment other ASEAN countries.

“This is our bright spot (in integration),” Mr. Boncato said, noting that each ASEAN member has agreed to accept tourism professionals accredited by their countries of origin.

In the case of the Philippines, such accreditation is provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

ASEAN has started developing a common accreditation system for each profession.

In tourism, Mr. Boncato said that, so far, only the system for housekeeping workers is ready, while those for front office workers as well as food and beverage are still being drafted.

“In the future we will look at the MICE (meeting, incentives, convention and exhibit) standard,” he said. “We will continue to develop a single standard.”