As part of the preparations for the full implementation of the ASEAN MRA for Tourism Professionals, The Department of Tourism (DOT), Technical Educational Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and Tourism Industry Board Foundation Incorporated (TIBFI) organized the 1st Batch of National Master Trainers and Master Assessors Training on Food Production. This was held last October 11 – 16, 2015 at Diamond Hotel, Manila.
The ASEAN Masters who conducted the training were Chef Julie Ann F. Mendoza and Chef Jesus Cuyco for the Master Trainers’ Training, while Chef Elena Rivera and Chef Jose Gabriel Prats conducted the Master Assessors’ Training.
Out of several nominees gathered nationwide, twenty-five (25) qualified candidates were selected from various schools and training centers from all over the country. Most of the candidates came from NCR, while the rest came from different regions like CAR, Central Luzon (Region III), CALABARZON (Region IV-A), Bicol Region (Region V), Western Visayas (Region VI), Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) and Davao Region (Region IX). The candidates were nominated by various regional TESDA offices, ASEAN Masters and DOT. To qualify, candidates needed to be TESDA certified, should have at least 5 years industry experience in food production, and must be computer literate. The candidates undertook various lectures, demonstrations, on Competency Based Training, Competency Based Assessment, and prepared their own portfolio during the six-days training to become a Master Trainer and Master Assessor on Food Production.
There were interactive class discussions, sharing their ideas and knowledge regarding the topics discussed.
During the Assessment Day, candidates presented their skills and applying the concepts that they have learned throughout their training.The Closing Ceremony was held last October 16, witnessed by DOT, TESDA, TIBFI and ADB representative, Kevin Moriarty. Ms. Arlene Alipio, the OIC of DOT’s Office of Industry Manpower Development presented the twenty-five (25) candidates. Certificates of Completion were awarded by Dir. Maria Rica C. Bueno of Tourism Standards and Regulation office of Department of Tourism (DOT), Dir. Maria Susan P. Dela Rama, Executive Director of Certification Office of Technical Educational Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and Ms. Maria Christina G. Aquino, Secretary of Tourism Industry Board Foundation Incorporated (TIBFI).
Special awards were also given to exceptional participants. Three (3) out of the sixteen (16) master assessors were recognized as Outstanding Master Assessors and these were Dr. Mark Irvin Celis, Director of Skills Development Office at Lyceum of the Philippines University - Cavite, Elijah Estillore, Program Head at Treston International College and Heinz Pelayo, Culinary Instructor at Lyceum of the Philippines University - Manila.
Likewise, one (1) out of the nine (9) master trainers was also awarded for his admirable skills, knowledge and presentation during his Assessment Day, and was given to Dr. Ryan T. Liba, a faculty from University of Sto. Tomas. Of course, a tedious training wouldn’t be productive at all if there is no room for fun and witty discussions from time to time. One chef became the source of these lively discussions throughout the training.
The Mr. Congeniality award was given to Chef Jose Cenon Villongco, a chef faculty from De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde. The training ended with a wacky performance presented by our twenty-five (25) master trainers and master assessors.
This is the 5th National Master Training organized by DOT, TESDA and TIBFI, with 2 batches in Housekeeping, the 1st batch was held on March 2014 at TESDA Women’s Center and the 2nd batch was held on July, 2014 at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, with a total of 65 participants for both batches. The 1st batch for Food & Beverage Services was held on May 12-16, 2015 at Diamond Hotel Manila with 30 participants. The 1st batch for Front Office was held on July 13-18 2015 at Subic, Zambales with 18 participants. A total of 138 National Master Trainers & Assessors will increase the capability and capacity in human resource development as the Philippines prepares for the ASEAN MRA for Tourism Professionals.
