MALEN B. DAQUIOAG AND ROMEL L. TAGUMASI
DOI: https://doi.org/Cagayan Valley (Region II) was found to be rich in tourist attractions that supported regional economic development. The quality of service provided by these sites depended on service standards, well-trained guides, and tourist feedback. This study examined the profile of local tourist guides in terms of age, education, sex, ethnicity, languages spoken, and guiding status. It also assessed the tour guiding skills of guides in Region II as evaluated by both tourists and the guides themselves and identified training needs for guides in the popular sites of Penablanca and Piat. Additionally, it explored differences in guiding skills based on profile variables. Using a descriptive-correlation design, the study involved 23 respondents from Piat and Penablanca, Cagayan. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire adapted from Hoang Le Nguyen (2015). Results showed that, despite relatively low formal education, the guides demonstrated high skill levels, suggesting a promising future for local tourism. However, they still needed further training in Mandarin and English, first aid, and local culture and history. Notably, problem-solving skills varied by education level and ethnicity, while interpersonal, communication, decorum, and organizational skills differed by language and guiding status. This study recommended that the Department of Tourism adopt policies for ongoing professional development to enhance the competence of Region II’s tourist guides, potentially boosting tourism in Cagayan Valley.
