CARCAR CITY, CEBU — The Department of Tourism Central Visayas (DOT7) brought a groundbreaking inclusivity workshop to Carcar City Hall on June 27, 2026. Seventy youth participants and LGBTQIA+ community members gathered to learn how to make tourism welcoming for everyone, regardless of ability.
A Workshop Designed for Inclusion
The training was part of DOT7’s Tourism Industry Skills Program, held in partnership with the LGU of Carcar City, the Carcar City Tourism Office, and GIFTS of Carcar. It aimed to break down barriers that travelers with disabilities often face. The event turned a government hall into a classroom for empathy and understanding.
Participants learned proper etiquette when interacting with persons with disabilities, guided by Mr. John Paul Maunes, CEO of Philippine Accessible Disability Services. His session emphasized treating accessibility as a right, not a compliance checkbox. The message was simple: dignity must be at the center of every tourist experience.
Sign Language as a Bridge
Ms. Karen Laren Jane Dianon, a Deaf Resource Speaker and Advocate, led an engaging session on basic Filipino Sign Language (FSL). Attendees practiced conversational signs that can transform a routine check‑in or a restaurant order into a moment of genuine connection. For a deaf traveler, being greeted in their own language can turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary memory.
The hands‑on practice gave tourism frontliners and community members a practical skill they can use immediately. The training showed that inclusivity is not about grand gestures but about everyday interactions done with care. Carcar City now has a growing pool of advocates ready to welcome diverse visitors.
Partnerships That Power Change
The event highlighted the strength of public‑private collaboration. DOT7 worked closely with Carcar City Mayor Patrick Barcenas and local organizations to ensure the training reached the right audience. The support from local leadership demonstrated that inclusive tourism is a shared priority.
Dr. Patrick Adrian “Patty” Laugan was also recognized for his coordination in making the initiative possible. The partnerships ensured that the training was not a one‑off event but part of a broader push for accessible tourism across Central Visayas. Carcar City is positioning itself as a model for other destinations.
Aligning Pride with Purpose
The training intentionally coincided with Pride Month, reinforcing that diversity includes people of all abilities and identities. The presence of LGBTQIA+ participants and youth underscored the intersection of inclusion. The event sent a powerful message: barrier‑free tourism embraces everyone.
By equipping young people with FSL skills and disability etiquette, the DOT7 is investing in a future where no traveler feels excluded. The participants left Carcar City Hall not just with certificates but with a renewed sense of purpose. They are now ambassadors for a more compassionate tourism industry.
A Model for Barrier‑Free Travel
Carcar City’s initiative offers a blueprint for other local governments. The combination of sign language training, etiquette education, and community mobilization creates a comprehensive approach to accessibility. The DOT7 plans to replicate the program in other destinations, expanding the reach of inclusive tourism across the region. The 70 participants now carry the tools to transform their communities into spaces where everyone feels respected and valued.
