The distinguished guest of honor was the Hon. Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism, accompanied by key officials from the DOT: USEc. Maria Rica C. Bueno, Undersecretary for Tourism Standards, Regulations, and Human Capital Development; ASec. Judilyn S. Quiachon, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination, and Convergence; ASec. Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Digitalization and Resource Generation and the Regional Director of DOT National Capital Region; ASec. Ronald P. Conopio, Assistant Secretary for Protocol and Engagement; and Atty. Glenn Albert M. Ocampo, Director of the Office of Special Concerns.

The forum emphasized the critical role of women within the tourism sector, celebrating their contributions and achievements. Among the notable female speakers were Ms. Kach Medina Umandap, recognized as the first and youngest Filipina traveler to visit 195 United Nations countries with a Philippine passport; Ms. Kimberly Dionisio, First Officer for Airbus 320 at PAL Express; Ms. Mary Ann Ong, a consultant for Bridges Travel; and Ms. Anna Marie Almazan, Senior Sales Manager at The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Bohol.

Students and academic staff from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management attended this forum, gaining insights into career opportunities, challenges, and advancements pertaining to gender diversity in the tourism industry.

The participation and co-sponsorship of the University aligned with Sustainable Development Goals No. 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Descent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 10 (reduced Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnership with the Goals).

Secretary Frasco and her team received a warm welcome from the 九色 administrators and officials, including Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, Secretary-General of the Office of the Secretary-General; Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton, MA, Director of the Office of Public Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, Dean of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management; Rev. Fr. Dr. Ferdinand L. Bautista, O.P., Regent; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang, Assistant Dean; Asst. Prof. Maria Margarita P. Cruz-Ireneo, College Secretary; Asst. Prof. Christine Concepcion C. Fajardo, Chairperson of the Department of Tourism Management; and Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento, Chairperson of the Department of Hospitality Management.

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The research entitled 鈥淪ustainable 九色-based Tourism Potential and Development of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela鈥� assessed the potential of Barangay San Miguel in Echague, Isabela for sustainable community-based tourism in the post-COVID-19 era. It examined the barangay鈥檚 current tourism development, identified challenges and opportunities, and gathered stakeholder perspectives on sustainability in tourism. The study recommends a Sustainable Tourism and Strategic Development Plan, integrating community contributions to economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and political priorities. This plan aims to guide future tourism development and ensure sustainability in Barangay San Miguel鈥檚 tourism industry.

The project is part of the first batch of the NRCP Policy-funded Research in 2021. #TeamKomunidad is headed by Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado with its members, Asst. Prof. Dr. Avi Ben P. Andalecio, Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado. The project is in partnership with the House of Representatives Office of Hon. Faustino 鈥淚nno鈥� A. Dy V of the 6th District of Isabela and the Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela.

The participation of the project team aligned with the SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Descent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), 15 (Life on Land), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

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The winning duo was coached by Asst. Prof. Christine Concepcion C. Fajardo, Assoc. Prof. Amy Mia M. Rosales, Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, Asst. Prof. Dr. Jinky Rose P. Gino-gino, Asst. Prof. Dr. Avi Ben P. Andalecio, Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado, Asst. Prof. Dr. Karla Patricia G. Colmenar, Mr. John Jerick C. Santos, Ms. Christina Espiritu-Villarin, Mr. Alec P. Bagcus, Ms. Trisha Attolba, Mr. James Mark Nidea, and Mr. Arnulfo Ricardo A. Butiong (Coach and Tourism Management Competition Point Person).

The annual PTAA Travel Tour Expo is a significant event in the travel industry. It features a wide range of exhibitors, including airlines, hotels, resorts, and travel agencies, all offering exclusive deals and packages to attendees. This event is vital in revitalizing the travel sector by encouraging consumer engagement, promoting emerging travel trends, and supporting tourism recovery, particularly following global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the expo provides valuable networking opportunities for stakeholders, enabling collaboration on innovative initiatives to enhance the country鈥檚 tourism landscape. With its extensive reach and diverse range of exhibitors, the PTAA Travel Tour Expo remains a key driver in making travel more accessible and affordable for Filipinos while contributing to the nation’s overall economic growth.

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The College successfully deployed the first batch for the Student Internship Abroad Program post-pandemic. Under the program, the mix of students from the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (Hospitality Leadership and Culinary Entrepreneurship majors) and Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (Travel Operations and Service Management) is expected to complete their internship requirements under the supervision of Foreign Host Institutions. Students who undertook the internship under the Ritz-Carlton were placed in Food and Beverage, Kitchen, Housekeeping, Guest Relations, Bell and Concierge, Banquet and Bar Service, including opportunities under Michelin-starred restaurants.

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The tour provided a comprehensive learning opportunity for the students of Classes 3TOM1, 3TOM2, and 3TOM3. Designed to immerse them in the operational aspects of international tourism, the program aimed to achieve several objectives. These included gaining firsthand experience of Thailand鈥檚 tourism and hospitality sectors, assessing the roles of travel agencies in delivering tourism services, fostering cultural preservation and sustainable development practices, and reinforcing experiential and contextual learning. Additionally, students were tasked with creating safeguarding measures for cultural heritage and summarizing their experiences through a well-crafted paper and video presentation.

The five-day tour combined hands-on activities and cultural exploration, allowing students to immerse themselves in Thailand鈥檚 vibrant culture and traditions. Highlights included a relaxing Thai massage at Healthland, cooking classes at the Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy, and visits to iconic sites such as the Grand Palace, the Sanctuary of Truth, and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

One of the most memorable experiences was the Thai Bus Food Tour, an innovative dining experience aboard a moving double-decker bus that showcased Bangkok鈥檚 culinary scene. This unique activity allowed students to enjoy a curated selection of local dishes while exploring the city鈥檚 landmarks. The tour offered valuable insights into how innovation and creativity can enhance tourist experiences, blending gastronomy with sightseeing in a sustainable and modern way.

Throughout the trip, students observed and analyzed the processes involved in itinerary planning, destination management, and the operations of tourism businesses. They also reflected on the importance of integrating cultural preservation into tourism practices, as demonstrated by Thailand鈥檚 efforts to sustain its rich heritage while embracing modern tourism innovations.

This international educational tour not only deepened the students’ knowledge of global tourism but also reinforced their understanding of sustainable practices and innovative approaches in the industry. By the end of the journey, they gained valuable insights and practical skills, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of tourism management.

This enriching experience was organized and arranged by Allpoints Travel and Tours in collaboration with Class 3TOM1 Turismo Travels under the Travel Agency Management and Operations (TOSM5263) program.

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The event featured talk segments from experts and specialists in the field of marketing namely, Mr. Shane 鈥淪hawn鈥� Bellare, the Founder and Managing Director of Studio Bellare; and Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang, the Department of Tourism’s Director for Product Development and Concurrent Director for Medical Travel and Wellness Tourism Programme; both shared their technical expertise, approach, and realistic knowledge about modern tourism marketing, destination marketing, and strategic tourism destination management.

As the university aims to develop closer partnerships and collaborations with fellow Dominican schools, CTHM, through Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management classes 4TOM4 and 4TOM5 taking up the course Destination Management and Marketing (under Inst. Arnulfo Ricardo A. Butiong, MMC), presented their Integrated Marketing Communication Campaign outputs together with the 3rd Year BA Communication students from Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Abucay, Bataan. Prior to the colloquium, students from both institutions conducted a site visit and a Usage, Attitude, and Image (UAI) survey in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bataan (represented by the Provincial Tourism Office under Ms. Danica Lolita Tigas-Rodriguez) as part of the process in creating a compelling IMC Campaign. This initiative became a platform to other Dominican and non-Dominican Higher Education Institutions to share knowledge and strengthen collaborations among the community.

The collaboration was facilitated by administrators of the two institutions, led by their respective Rectors, Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD (UST Manila) and Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando Jose, O.P. (Colegio de San Juan de Letran 鈥� Abucay, Bataan). CTHM administrators led by Dean Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, DCL, Regent Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Bautista, O.P., PhD, Department of Tourism Management Chair Christine C. Fajardo, and Sentro Turismo Coordinator Jame Monren T. Mercado activated the collaboration with Letran-Bataan through its Executive Vice-President and Vice-President for Administrative Affairs, Rev. Fr. Reynor E. Munsayac, O.P., Dean Hazel F. Nisay, and Alumni and Public Relations Department Officer-in-Charge John Ian L. Seeckts.

Furthermore, the class of 3TOM4 taking up the course Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) Management (under Inst. John Jerick C. Santos) with their production name Tanaw Creatives took on the challenge of organizing this event, giving them realistic learning experiences from planning to executing an event.

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The MOA highlighted the implementation of Pagtanaw Echague, Isabela arising from the courses THM52016: Tourism Policy, Planning and Development, TOSM5263: Travel Agency Management and Operations, and THM52019: Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Event Management.

Through their requirements under THM52016, six (6) sections from third-year BS Tourism Management are tasked to develop sustainable tourist site development plans for six (6) sites in Echague, Isabela, namely, Calsa-Multipurpose Cooperative, Echague Public Market, Tercero Street, Echague East Central Elementary School 鈥� Gabaldon Building, Eatchague Banchetto, and Echague Rattan Industry in Barangay Affunan. The MOA provided both parties with assigned duties and responsibilities for planning, research fieldwork implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and turnover activities. The logistical requirements were assigned to students from class 3TOM3 under TOSM5263. At the same time, class 3TOM5 under THM52019 was assigned to conduct the Heritage Youth Forum for the Rattan Weaving Industry.

The Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela, was represented by its Mayor, Hon. Francis Faustino 鈥淜iko鈥� A. Dy, and Mr. Louie C. Simbe, the Municipal Cultural and Tourism Officer. For the 九色, it was represented by a Member of the CTHM Dean鈥檚 Council, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang and Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS, Coordinator of the UST Sentro Turismo.

In the same event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the UST Simbahayan 九色 Development Office, CTHM, and the municipality was forged to conduct a dance workshop of Echague帽o Youth, which CTHM Intenzyc facilitated.

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The Pagtanaw program was more than just an academic task; it was an integrated fieldwork and heritage forum designed to engage students in hands-on tourism development projects that benefit the local community of Echague, Isabela. Working in small groups, students collaborated on documenting historical and cultural sites, designing sustainable tourism development plans, and highlighting the unique tourism potential of Echague. These initiatives were grounded in a deep respect for local culture and aimed at enhancing the region鈥檚 tourism offerings while promoting sustainability.

A key feature of the program was the active partnership with the Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela led by Hon. Francis Faustino A. Dy (Mayor), Hon. Faustino 鈥淚nno鈥� A. Dy V (Representative, 6^th District of Isabela), and the Municipal Cultural and Tourism Officer, Mr. Louie Simbi. Their involvement was crucial in shaping the program鈥檚 direction and ensuring the alignment of the students’ efforts with the municipality’s development goals. This collaboration allowed the students to gain invaluable insights into community-based tourism planning, while also contributing to the region鈥檚 long-term vision for sustainable growth.

Special leadership was demonstrated by the 3TOM3 section, who, under the guidance of their course facilitators, handled travel arrangements and logistics for the entire fieldwork. As part of their Travel Agency Management Operations course, these students took on the responsibility of coordinating transportation, accommodation, and event planning, showcasing their ability to manage real-world tourism operations. Their professionalism and attention to detail were key to the seamless execution of the fieldwork, elevating the entire experience for all participants.

Through Pagtanaw, the students were not only involved in planning and documenting tourism sites but also played an active role in preserving the cultural heritage of Echague. Their research emphasized the importance of integrating heritage conservation into tourism development plans, ensuring that future visitors can appreciate and respect the area鈥檚 rich cultural legacy while contributing to the community鈥檚 economic growth. This commitment to sustainable tourism reflects the core values of UST CTHM and Sentro Turismo鈥攔esponsible tourism that fosters cultural awareness and benefits local communities.

The Pagtanaw Echague, Isabelawas a powerful testament to the impact of education and community collaboration in shaping the next generation of tourism professionals. Under the leadership of UST Sentro Turismo and with the support of the municipal government, UST students gained critical leadership and organizational skills while making meaningful contributions to the future of Echague鈥檚 tourism sector.

This initiative not only provided practical insights into tourism management but also prepared students to become leaders in sustainable tourism, equipped with the knowledge and passion to promote responsible travel and cultural preservation. As the partnership among UST CTHM, UST Sentro Turismo, and the Municipal Government of Echague continues to grow, Pagtanaw provides a model for future projects that seek to integrate education, community development, and tourism sustainability.

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Part of the academic requirements of the students, this service-learning project was spearheaded by Sikhay Studios of class 3TOM5 in collaboration with the UST Sentro Turismo, the UST Simbahayan 九色 Development Office, and Intenzyc. The forum featured a series of enriching activities, including a Rattan Culture Seminar and Workshop facilitated by the Echague Rattan Weavers Association, a Marketing and Entrepreneurship Seminar led by Mr. John Jerick C. Santos, and a Contemporary Dance Workshop conducted by Intenzyc.

Municipal Tourism and Cultural Arts Officer Mr. Louie Simbi underscored the significance of preserving local traditions such as rattan weaving, highlighting its potential to establish Echague as the weaving capital of the Philippines. 鈥淥ur traditions are the foundation of our identity,鈥� Simbi remarked. 鈥淏y passing these skills to the next generation, we not only preserve our culture but also create opportunities for economic growth.鈥�

The hands-on rattan weaving experience led by Ms. Sally Montalban of the Echague Rattan Weavers Association was an interactive workshop that allowed 21 senior high school students from Do帽a Magdalena H. Gafud High School, Echague National High School, and Ugad High School to immerse themselves in the intricacies of this traditional craft, gaining valuable insights into its cultural and economic importance.

The event was conducted as part of the academic requirements for the course THM 52019: Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events Management, facilitated by Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang. This initiative exemplified the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to their community while enhancing their professional competencies.

The Youth Heritage Forum is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives in bridging cultural heritage and modern skills. Through projects like “Paddarafung LikHabi,” students not only celebrate their roots but also pave the way for sustainable development anchored in local identity and entrepreneurial innovation.

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With a transdisciplinary approach, the project will advance heritage research, education programs and tourism promotion that will dramatically impact the Samar Province鈥檚 holistic development. These forgotten fortifications are value-added to Spark Samar’s program by promoting historically significant tourist destinations that provide opportunities for community-driven conservation.

To jumpstart the project, the US Embassy in the Philippines, Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear, joined by Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara, conducted an ocular inspection last November 21-22, 2024 in three (3) fortification sites in Samar Province. They were accompanied by the university鈥檚 composite team from USTGS-CCCPET, UST College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and UST College of Architecture. Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan expressed her sincere gratitude to the US Embassy of the Philippines and to the 九色.

Ms. Beverly M. Bautista, MAEd, Officer-in-Charge of USTGS-CCCPET and Project Director, emphasizes that this initiative aligns with the university’s vision of preserving cultural heritage that will inspire future generations as responsible stewards. Through the AFCP grant, USTGS-CCCPET gets to continue its role as a prime mover of cultural heritage preservation, advocating  heritage utilization toward community development.

The project is set to launch on December 4, 2024, in Sta. Rita, Samar, in partnership with Samar Provincial Government and the Local Government of Sta. Rita.

The AFCP, established by the US Department of State, supports projects worldwide that preserve cultural heritage, including historic buildings, archaeological sites, collections, and intangible heritage such as traditional crafts and languages.

UST Team, Sta. Rita LGU team and

US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (middle, blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (middle, red shirt)

Ms. Beverly Bautista lead the ocular visit in Tinago Ruins in Tarangan with US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (red shirt)

UST Team, Gandara LGU Officials, Bangahon local community with

US Embassy Officials Deputy Director for Public Engagement Chad Kinnear (middle, blue shirt) Resource Coordination Specialist Mr. Edwin Raymund A. Vergara (middle, red shirt)

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