ASSESSMENT ON THE COMPETENCY LEVEL AMONG LOCAL TOUR GUIDES IN MT. PAMITINAN IN MONTALBAN RIZAL

Abstract

This study examines the competency levels of local tour guides at Mt. Pamitinan Cave in Montalban, Rizal. The findings reveal that tour guide performance has a significant direct impact on tourist satisfaction with guiding services and an indirect influence on overall satisfaction with tour services and experiences. As a key attraction within the Pamitinan Protected Landscape, Mt. Pamitinan draws visitors due to its breathtaking natural scenery and rich historical significance. Tour guides play a vital role in enhancing the tourism experience by providing insightful information, ensuring visitor safety, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Their expertise and service quality not only contribute to the success of the local tourism industry but also help promote a positive image of the country as a premier travel destination. This study utilizes a descriptive research design. As stated by Sirisilla (2023), descriptive research is widely used by researchers and scientists to gain a comprehensive understanding of a specific population or subject. This approach provides a detailed and accurate representation of characteristics and behaviors within a particular group. By systematically collecting and analyzing data, descriptive research helps identify patterns and insights that can guide future studies. A quantitative method was employed, using survey questionnaires to gather and interpret data from the respondents. This chapter presents the results, analysis, and interpretation of the data collected from the questionnaires distributed to the respondents.  1. Demographic Profile of the Respondents Table 1 illustrates the age distribution of the respondents. The majority, 55%, belong to the 18-27 age group, making up the largest portion of the sample. This is followed by the 35 and above age group, which constitutes 30% of the respondents. Meanwhile, the 28-34 age group has the lowest representation, accounting for only 15% of the total. To elevate the overall tourist experience, strengthen community engagement, and promote sustainable tourism at Mt. Pamitinan, a collaborative approach among stakeholders is essential. Regular evaluations should be conducted to assess progress and ensure continuous enhancement of tourism services.  Tour guides should focus on developing their knowledge, communication, leadership, assessment, and coaching skills to provide exceptional service. By consistently refining their expertise, they can deliver a more engaging and informative experience for visitors, fostering greater appreciation for the destination while contributing to the long-term success of the tourism industry in the region.