Manila, Philippines - January 6, 2023 (Friday), TIBFI formally received the 7th Speakers' Synergy and Appreciation Award in Manila City for its long-time commitment, invaluable service and excellency partnership with the Department of Tourism.

Tourism Industry Board Foundation Chairperson Mr. Robert 'Bobby' John Horrigan received the Plaque of Recognition together with Secretary Dr. Lilibeth Aragon and former Chairperson of TIBFI Ms. Ma. Christina Aquino on behalf of the foundation at the ceremony at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

The Director IV at Department of Tourism Ms. Rica Bueno thanked TIBFI and Chairperson Mr. Robert ‘Bobby' John Horrigan for the strong partnership and continuous support to DOT. “As our partner, TIBFI has played a big role in harnessing the competencies of Philippine Tourism Professionals.” Ms. Bueno said.

Moreover, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer at Philippine Department of Tourism Ms. Arlene Alipio also thanked TIBFI for its long term commitment and partnership with DOT. “Thank you TIBFI for being a staunch partner of DOT through 40+ years!” Ms. Arlene Alipio added.

And also, Secretary Dr. Lilibeth Aragon received the individual Plaque of Recognition as Resource Speaker in the 7th Speakers' Synergy and Appreciation. It was given to those individuals who shared their expertise in the various capacity development programs of the country's tourism sector.

To end, this event was also a gateway to introduce DOT's Plan for Tourism Industry. The Filipino Brand of Service Excellence 100k Industry Stakeholders - FBSE 100k….Mabuhay! It is the target number of stakeholders given by Sec. Frasco  composed of different programs such as Tourism Industry Skills Program, Train the Trainers Courses for Regional, Enterprise and Academe, Higher Education Institutions for Graduating Tourism and Hospitality Students, FBSE Self-paced Learning Program and lastly, the Partnership with Retailers and Enterprise Level.

The 100,000 stakeholders seems a huge number but as Ms. Cleofe Albiso said, we cannot sacrifice the quality for the sake of achieving the quality that we want. So, we all should not be pressured by numbers.

Lastly, Sec. Frasco empowered everyone that anything is possible, that is why investors would always want to invest in the Philippines because of its distinct hospitality that is why there's always a returning customer in our country.