The 12th National Tour Guides Convention and General Assembly, hosted in the breathtaking province of Davao Oriental, was a convergence of passion, culture, and professional growth. Organized by the Philippine Federation of Professional Tour Guide Associations, Inc. (TGFed) in partnership with Guide Davao, the local tour guide association, and warmly supported by the Department of Tourism Region XI, Tourism Promotions Board, National and Local government units, and Tourism Partners, the three-day event gathered hundreds of delegates from across the Philippines.
Pre-Convention Highlights: Setting the Stage
On June 13, 2025, the TGFed Board of Directors arrived in Davao City and were greeted with a vibrant welcome at Francisco Bangoy International Airport. A courtesy call followed at the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to strengthen ties and discuss key initiatives, including advocacy for a Special Philippine Commission on Mountaineering Sports. That evening, the board shared dinner with a representative from the Office of the Vice President, a former TGFed President, marking a night of meaningful dialogue and support.
June 14 – Day 0: Davao City Tour and Journey to Mati
Delegates embarked on a cultural immersion around Davao City, with visits to Apo ni Lola, Magsaysay Park(featuring the 11 tribes of Davao), People’s Park, and the iconic National Museum of the Philippines – Davao, shaped like the region’s famous fruit, the durian.
After lunch, everyone boarded buses for a scenic three-hour ride to Mati City. A stopover in Banaybanayallowed delegates to sample Kagan coffee and native delicacies, setting the tone for a warm welcome to Davao Oriental.
June 15 – Day 1: Convention Proper and Gala Night
The convention opened with a grand parade of banners from TGFed members, followed by the parade of colors. The plenary sessions featured insightful talks on the evolving landscape of tourism and the tour guiding profession:
- Joselito Balbosa Chavez – The Role of Tour Guides in Responsible Tourism
- Roy Ponce – Industry Trends and Innovations
- Oscar Casaysay – Cultural Sensitivity in Tour Guiding
- Alberto Gadia – The Future of Tour Guiding in the Philippines
- RD Tanya Rabat-Tan – Davao Region Tourism Development Plan 2025–2028
The afternoon was devoted to TGFed’s General Assembly, while non-members attended an orientation session on federation membership and engagement.
In the evening, the Gala Night sparkled with delegates donning regional or Filipiniana attire. The program honored member and associate associations with their certificates of membership, and each group shared the story behind their cultural attire on stage.
June 16 – Day 2: Immersive Cultural and Nature Tours
Day 2 brought delegates into the heart of Davao Oriental’s rich natural and cultural landscapes. One group visited Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, enjoying breakfast, a warm cultural welcome, and a dip in the cascading waters. Another group traveled to Langoyon Beach Resort in Baganga, discovering mangrove ecosystems and pristine beachfronts.
The groups reconvened in Caraga, where they explored:
- San Luis Surfing Beach
- San Salvador del Mundo Parish
- Pusan Point, the easternmost part of the Philippines, where the sun first rises
- An encounter with National Living Treasure SAMPORONIA PAGSAC MADANLO, a Mandaya textile weaver
The day ended with a cultural show and dinner featuring “Nilotlot”, a traditional dish of chicken with coconut milk cooked in bamboo, a delicious tribute to heritage cuisine.
June 17 – Day 3: Mountain Wisdom and Marine Wonders
The final day began with a stop at the Sleeping Dinosaur View Deck, a majestic natural landform shaped like a reclining dinosaur. Located just outside Mati, this scenic viewpoint is a symbol of Davao Oriental’s unique geological wonders and provides a sweeping view of Pujada Bay, now part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
From there, delegates traveled to San Isidro, home of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its pygmy forests, diverse flora and fauna, and endemic species, Mount Hamiguitan represents one of the most significant ecological sites in the country.
During lunch, Director Joey E. Recimilla of MinDA delivered a timely presentation on the development of a National Mountain Guiding Module, aligning with the convention’s focus on sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Next was a visit to the Subangan Museum of Mati City, a treasure trove of Davao Oriental’s culture, biodiversity, and history. A highlight of the museum is Davor, a 53-foot-long sperm whale skeleton found off the coast of Governor Generoso in 2010. Davor stands as a reminder of the region’s marine biodiversity and the importance of ocean conservation.
As the tour neared its end, the delegation proceeded to Dahican Beach, a haven for skimboarding and surfing, but also a nesting ground for sea turtles. In line with TGFed’s tradition of Corporate Social Responsibility, delegates distributed school supplies to local children as classes reopened in June. A moving moment followed as participants released baby sea turtles (hatchlings) into the ocean, an emotional, symbolic act underscoring tour guides’ role in environmental stewardship.
Closing Celebration and the Road Ahead
The convention ended with a farewell dinner featuring fresh tuna sashimi, conversations among peers, and heartfelt reflections from delegates representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The evening concluded with the exciting announcement of Bulacan as the official host for the 13th National Tour Guides Convention in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The 12th National Tour Guides Convention was more than a professional gathering, it was a journey of rediscovery, reconnection, and recommitment to responsible tourism. Through meaningful dialogue, unforgettable cultural exchanges, and immersive experiences, this event reminded us that tour guides are not just storytellers, we are heritage bearers, advocates, and protectors of our nation’s cultural and natural treasures. TEAM GABAY of Tsunami made an Official Bid for the Province of Bulacan to host the 13th National Tourguides Convention next year and they win via landslide against TEAM ASTG of La Union Province also in Luzon. They were backed-up by a video showing the 100% Support of Governor Daniel Fernando and his Vice-Governor Alex Castro. Next year it will be Bulacan,See you in Bulacan in 2026!#BulacanBabalikBalikan
