AFTER operating as a training center for Thai massage services, Tonton TTM Training Center has re-branded itself into a school offering more courses for massage therapists.
International NKYR Academy (INA) executive officer Maria Teresa Tatara said the re-branding of the training center is meant to further promote and professionalize the work of massage practitioners in Cebu.
INA is the only training institute for massage therapists in Cebu accredited by the Department of Health (DOH).
DOH chairman of the Massage Therapy Council Pedro Vasquez said there are about 14 accredited massage training centers and 4,000 licensed massage therapists in the country.
INA aims to produce effective and efficient licensed massage therapists.
“The more licensed therapists we produce, the more we will be able to respond to the needs of the industry,” Tatara said during a press conference held yesterday at the Rajah Park Hotel.
Since its operation as a training center in 2006, INA has partnered with Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical School (Wat Po TTM) of Bangkok, Thailand in providing education in Thai traditional massage.
INA is located at Doña Luisa Building in Fuente Osmeña. Among its facilities are training rooms for body and Thai massage, a lecture room for 20 students and a Wi-Fi ready library.
Among the courses offered this year are those on the Thai traditional massage, foot reflexology, Wat Po, a refresher course for licensed massage therapists, and the DOH Licensure Exam Course.
It also offers courses on communication skills, client relations and expectations. INA also offers programs to licensed massage therapists who want to advance in their
career as DOH training providers.
Tatara said the company is opening its first branch in Cubao, Quezon City this year. INA is the lead organization of the 1st Thai Massage Congress in Cebu City.