InfoCamp Workshop Develops Communication Skills for Student Ambassadors and Hosts

Student Ambassadors and members of the League of Hosts at Bukidnon State University (BukSU) participated in a two-day workshop focused on improving their communication and tour-guiding skills, on March 11-12, 2025.

The Office of the President and the Information Unit (IU) organized the activity as part of the InfoCamp program, which prepares selected students to represent the institution in official engagements and public interactions.

The university selected members of the Student Ambassadors and the League of Hosts through a screening process that evaluated candidates based on their communication skills, confidence, and ability to represent the institution in public engagements. This selection process aimed to identify students who could effectively interact with various audiences and uphold the university’s image in official events.

“These sessions focus on skill development to support and align with the university’s communication strategies,” said IU Head Rodrigo E. Bolivar II. “As members of the Student Ambassadors and League of Hosts, these students are representing the university as brand ambassadors. We thought of equipping them with necessary skills on engaging the audience, communicating and building confidence when facing guests and stakeholders, and representing the university to the world.”

The workshop featured sessions led by two guest speakers. Marven Jan A. Nadela, officer-in-charge of the Malaybalay City Tourism Office, provided an introduction to tour guiding, covering topics such as Filipino hospitality, appropriate gestures, and storytelling techniques for tourists.

Meanwhile, Maricel M. Butardo, a program producer and broadcaster at Central Mindanao University, discussed strategies for program production, including practical methods like selfie reporting and voice-over narration.

On the second day, the Student Ambassadors took part in a guided tour of Malaybalay City, conducted in collaboration with the City Tourism Office. The activity allowed students to apply the communication techniques and tour-guiding skills learned during the workshop at popular tourist sites in the city, such as Kaamulan Park, Kampo Kasisang, the Monastery of Transfiguration, and the Tagolwanen Women’s Weaver Association.

“It was very insightful. I like the very detailed approach in this training to improve my communication and editing skills, and believing that one day I will be able to use and maximize these,” said student ambassador, Melquisedec G. Querol.

BukSU plans to implement policies supporting the continued development of the students through further training and activities to maintain and expand the skills. (With report from Zyrha Jane B. Edlang, IU intern)