MABUHAY DOT Brings Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Training to SLSU-FHTM students

Southern Leyte State University, August 1-2, 2025, in a continued effort to promote world-class service rooted in Filipino values, the Department of Tourism (DOT) conducted the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) training at Southern Leyte State University (SLSU). The event was held at the university's Mini Theatre and was attended by a strong delegation of second- to fourth-year students from the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM), alongside faculty members, program heads, and the dean. Tourism students attended on August 1, while Hospitality students participated on August 2.

The FBSE training is a flagship program of the DOT that highlights the unique qualities of Filipino hospitality—warmth, compassion, and commitment to service. Designed to enhance the competitiveness of Filipino professionals in the tourism and hospitality industries, the training focuses on developing a culture of “service with a heart” or serbisyong may puso.

During the session, participants were immersed in interactive discussions, role-playing activities, and scenario-based learning, all geared toward strengthening their customer service mindset. Through these methods, students and faculty alike were reminded of the importance of empathy, attentiveness, and sincerity in every guest interaction, whether within local communities or on the global stage.

The FHTM program at SLSU expressed its gratitude to the Department of Tourism for choosing the university as a training site, recognizing the importance of building service excellence at the academic level. By empowering future industry professionals with tools grounded in Filipino identity, the FBSE initiative not only elevates individual capabilities but also contributes to the larger vision of sustainable and culturally authentic tourism in the Philippines.

As the event concluded, students walked away with more than just certificates, they carried a renewed pride in Filipino hospitality and a strong commitment to bring these values into their future workplaces.