The Institute of Davao Studies (IDS) of Holy Cross of Davao College took an active role in the DASIG Turismo Skills Enhancement Training for Davao Region Tour Guides, held on February 20, 2025, at the Department of Tourism Davao Office. This program was designed to enhance the historical knowledge of local tour guides, providing them with well-researched and compelling narratives about Davao’s rich history.
The training, organized by DASIG Turismo, featured Mr. Rhys Lloyd D. Lacia, IDS Coordinator, as the resource speaker. He provided a comprehensive discussion on Davao’s historical landscape—covering early trading systems, colonial encounters, indigenous heritage, and significant landmarks such as Datu Bago’s legacy, the arrival of Oyanguren, old maps of Davao, and more. He emphasized the importance of historical accuracy in tourism, ensuring that tour guides deliver well-researched and factual narratives to both local and international visitors.
To further support the tour guides in their learning journey, Mr. Lacia also provided valuable resources on where they could find credible information about Davao’s history. He recommended books, museums, and even online sources such as Facebook pages dedicated to historical documentation. This guidance allows tour guides to continuously update their knowledge and confidently share Davao’s rich heritage with their audiences.
The session also featured an engaging question-and-answer segment, where participants eagerly asked about various historical events, places, and figures of Davao. This interactive portion allowed for deeper discussions and clarifications, making the learning process more dynamic and informative.
As the premier research arm dedicated to Davao’s heritage and history, the Institute of Davao Studies continues to uphold its four pillars: Heritage Promotion, Historic Preservation, Cultural Relativism, and Global Integration. Through partnerships like this, IDS fosters a deeper appreciation of local history and supports initiatives that enhance the competency of tourism professionals.
A total of 15 tour guides from different regions of Davao participated in the training, together with Ma’am Jennifer S. Ramirez, President of DASIG Turismo. This event marked a milestone in advancing historical literacy among Davao’s tourism frontliners.
To conclude the session, Mr. Lacia left the tour guides with a powerful message: “Let us all contribute in promoting the heritage and history of Davao.” His words served as a reminder of the shared responsibility in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
By spearheading engagements such as this, the Institute of Davao Studies remains committed to shaping a tourism industry that not only showcases the beauty of Davao but also honors the narratives that define its identity.
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