BALER, Aurora (PIA) — About 70 youth in Aurora undergo a tourism training program designed to prepare them as future advocates of local culture and sustainable tourism.
The activity specifically targets out-of-school youth from different towns, giving them access to structured learning that builds new skills and encourages participation in community-based tourism initiatives.
Provincial Youth Development Officer Benjamin Vidal Jr. said the youth are being prioritized because of their potential to become catalysts for change, with their energy and creativity seen as vital in sustaining Aurora’s tourism industry.
“We do this intervention so that our out-of-school youth will have the chance to build new skills, discover livelihood pathways, and become active partners in promoting Aurora’s tourism industry,” he added.
The training covers topics such as the overview and history of the province, the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, and a mock tour activity which aim to equip the youth with both technical knowledge and a deeper appreciation of Aurora’s cultural identity.
Upon completion, participants will be welcomed as members of the Association of Local Tour Guides, giving them access to a support network that can enhance their skills and connect them with tourism stakeholders.
“This training is not only about learning how to guide tourists—it is about giving the youth the confidence to tell the story of Aurora, protect its treasures, and turn tourism into a tool for community growth,” Vidal emphasized.
The activity is part of the province’s observance of Youth Week and Tourism Month, which celebrates the creativity of the youth and their role in building communities and promoting sustainable tourism.
By investing in the potential of the youth, the provincial government envisions a pool of future tourism advocates who can champion cultural pride, protect natural resources, and foster development that benefits both present and future generations. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
