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MANILA – The Women in Maritime Philippines (WIMAPHIL), in partnership with its MARINA Sub-Chapter, conducted a service excellence training for Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) frontline personnel on 26 September 2024, reinforcing quality service delivery with a focus on Filipino values.

The training, held at the MARINA Central Office, aimed to equip frontline staff with essential skills to deliver efficient and compassionate service to the public, under the theme “Quality Service the Filipino Way.”

Atty. Sharon D. Aledo, President of the WIMAPHIL MARINA Sub-Chapter and Director of MARINA’s Legal Service (LS), opened the session by underscoring the importance of integrating Filipino hospitality and warmth into government service. “At the core of this approach is a commitment to serve the public with compassion and integrity,” she said, adding that public servants must ensure citizens feel respected and valued in every interaction.

The workshop included a series of talks led by Ms. Mary Ann I. Pastrana, WIMAPHIL Vice President and Chairperson of the Board at FASTCAT. Pastrana emphasized the necessity of such trainings to reinforce frontliners’ commitment to customer service. She introduced the “Mabuhay Gesture,” a signature practice highlighting Filipino hospitality, to participants attending both in-person and virtually.

Pastrana, an accredited lecturer for the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence program, explained that the initiative, launched by the Department of Tourism (DoT), is designed to enhance the delivery of government services with the incorporation of Filipino cultural values. The program equips service providers with techniques for engaging customers and addressing their needs effectively.

Ms. Cheryl V. Pascua, Vice President of the WIMAPHIL MARINA Sub-Chapter and Director of MARINA’s Management, Financial and Administrative Service (MFAS), delivered the closing remarks. Pascua thanked WIMAPHIL members and participants, noting the successful collaboration and its impact on improving frontline services.

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