SAN Agustin, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga together with the SQIP convergence team awarded the P1 million DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program(DILP) grant to Britania Pumpboat Operators Association of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, under the Service Quality Improvement Program (SQIP) on July 05, 2023 at La Entrada Resort and Restaurant, Britania, San Agustin in Surigao del Sur.

The Service Quality Improvement Program (SQIP) convergence team headed by DOLE Caraga in partnership with Regional Tripartite Wages and. Productivity Board (RTWPB) Caraga, local government unit of San Agustin, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) San Agustin, and San Agustin Municipal Tourism Office released the pump boat spare parts and fishing supply to the said association amounting to P1 million. 

The said awarding was attended by DOLE Caraga Regional Director, Atty. Joffrey Suyao; DOLE-SDS Provincial Head, Genebelle Bal; RTWPB Caraga Board Secretary VI, Earl Dela Victoria; Senior Tourism Officer, Peter Ferdinand Luna; TESDA SDS Provincial Director Romel Natad,; Punong Barangay Andres Escudero; and LGU San Agustin Municipal Mayor, Engr. Nicolas  Alameda. 

Recognizing the need to strengthen the tourism sector of the country, DOLE initiated the Service Quality Improvement Program (SQIP) which aims to provide financial assistance through livelihood projects and capacity-building activities and interventions from the partner agencies, enabling the beneficiaries to improve the quality of their services and to sustain their livelihoods. Furthermore, the program seeks to promote a culture of exemplary customer service, enhancing the overall experience of tourists in the country. 

Dir. Suyao in his message, expressed his gratitude to the LGU San Agustin for the support of the project and to the partner agencies of their commitments to help the beneficiary association. He emphasized that not only the livelihood grant but it will provide capacity building interventions with the help of the convergence team to BPA to upgrade and enhance their skills to elevate the level of services they can provide to the customers. “With these interventions, we are hopeful that local tourism of San Agustin will boom, improve quality and delivery of its services, and will attract local and international tourists as well,” he said. 

Earl D. Dela Victoria, board secretary VI of RTWPB Caraga added that “this SQIP will not only improve the delivery of services but will help augment the resources of the beneficiaries”.

Samuel Ladeza, president of BPA, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the association. He acknowledged the impact of the livelihood grant, not only in improving their services but also in their lives and the local community. He promised to take care of the livelihood grant, and continuously strive for service excellence. 

The SQIP Convergence Project in Britania, San Agustin is a significant milestone for the tourism industry of the town. The program not only contributes to the recovery of the local economy but also promotes a culture of service quality in the country’s tourism industry. (RTWPB-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)