DoT launches ‘Meet & Assist’ program in Cebu today

The Department of Tourism (DoT) will launch its pioneering "Meet and Assist" program at the Mactan International Airport in Cebu today.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano says that the program, which was developed with the help of Globe Handyphone, has resulted in the upgrading of a very important facet of tourist services in the country.

"Through this program, the DoT provides the services of efficient port entry officers who are able to communicate properly with non-English speaking tourists — Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans — at the airport," Durano said.

He stressed that, "The essence of this project is to highlight the Filipino trait of being hospitable. After all, we Filipinos are known for our warmth, especially towards those who visit our country."

Interpreters were evaluated based on their language proficiency and their knowledge of the tourism industry in general. Qualified interpreters then underwent the DoT-initiated Mabuhay Host Program. Upon completion of the program, they were given a DoT Access Pass for a specified area of the airport.

Members of the "Meet and Assist" group are stationed within their respective information booths and are not allowed to approach or accompany passengers without prior endorsement from the Bureau of Immigration. Duty assignments depend on the frequency of flights, with interpreters being assigned on a rotation basis.

The program had its initial run at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, where it was launched in December last year. Since it began, the program has assisted over 2,000 passengers from China, Japan, and Korea.

According to the Airport Reception Unit at NAIA-1, queries covered a range of subjects. At the top of the list are requests for copies of the Philippine map, which are readily available, as well as questions regarding the country’s various tourist destinations. Visitors also inquired about airport-related issues — such as filling out of immigration forms and location of key airport facilities — as well as other concerns, like foreign exchange and availability of mobile phone roaming services.

Durano said the DoT has plans to replicate the program at the Centennial Airport, thus extending the same quality service to foreign visitors who touch down at this port of entry.