BUNAWAN, AGUSAN DEL SUR — The Agusan del Sur State University (ADSSU) strengthened its commitment to quality service and Filipino hospitality as its students, faculty, and staff participated in the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training on August 25, 2026, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Region.

The one-day training introduced participants to the principles and practices of Filipino hospitality and service excellence, equipping them with knowledge and practical approaches that can be applied in their respective roles within the University and in serving its various stakeholders.

Facilitated by Ms. Marian Jill D. Castrence, DOT Trainer/Resource Speaker, the training covered four FBSE modules: The Philippine Tourism Industry Situation and the FBSE Journey, The 7Ms of Filipino Hospitality and Service Excellence, The G.U.E.S.T. Steps to Service Excellence, and The HEART of Service Recovery.

The sessions emphasized the importance of creating positive experiences through genuine Filipino hospitality, effective communication, responsiveness, and a service-oriented mindset. For ADSSU, these principles are particularly relevant as the University continues to develop Madiyaw Green Escapes: The Agri-Edu Tourism of ADSSU as an immersive destination that brings together agriculture, education, recreation, and sustainable tourism.

As Madiyaw Green Escapes welcomes visitors and provides experiential learning opportunities, the FBSE Training helps strengthen the capacity of the ADSSU community to deliver warm, professional, and memorable experiences. The knowledge gained from the training can contribute to enhancing visitor engagement and service delivery across the University’s agri-edu tourism attractions.

The activity also featured messages from Dr. Joy C. Capistrano, University President, and Ms. Ruth S. Desamparo, Supervising Administrative Officer, while Ms. Kristine Joy L. Caingles, Tourism Operations Officer I of DOT Caraga, led the house rules and introduction of the resource speaker. The training concluded with the awarding of certificates of appreciation and participation, and photo documentation, with Engr. Janice C. Puspos, Executive Assistant III, delivering the closing message.

Through the FBSE Training, ADSSU continues to foster a culture where service goes beyond fulfilling responsibilities—it becomes an expression of professionalism, hospitality, and commitment to excellence. With Madiyaw Green Escapes emerging as a platform for sustainable agri-edu tourism, the University recognizes that every interaction with visitors, learners, partners, and communities is an opportunity to showcase the Filipino brand of service.

This activity contributes to SDG 4 – Quality Education by developing relevant knowledge and skills through experiential and lifelong learning; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth by strengthening competencies for quality service and supporting sustainable tourism; and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting responsible tourism and the sustainable development of local resources. These align with ADSSU’s continuing efforts through Madiyaw Green Escapes to integrate education, agriculture, tourism, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.