The local government here wanted to ensure that the unique trait of Ilonggos in providing a warm welcome to guests and tourists would be sustained and passed on to the next generation through its “Amoma (take care),” an Ilonggo Tourism Hospitality Program.

“We need to capitalize on this, harness this for our new generation because that is our identity as Ilonggos, the way we take care of our guests,” said City Tourism and Development Office head Junel Ann Divinagracia in an interview on Monday.

The tourism officer said Ilonggos are known for being soft-spoken and “malambing” (affectionate), traits that they would bank on to push local tourism.

But more than being soft-spoken, tourism frontliners, taxi and tricycle drivers, and other stakeholders will be taught how to respond properly to queries and provide accurate information.

“Through this program, we would like to develop the culture of tourism in Iloilo City,” Divinagracia added.

They are currently firming up strategies on how to implement the program which they intend to launch together with the Iloilo City Tourism Council during the first quarter of 2023.

She said among the strategies is to hold training and seminars for frontliners.

To ensure the program’s sustainability, they will seek the support of the private sector and the regional office of the Department of Tourism. (PNA)