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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A team led by Biological Sciences Professor Cecilia I. Banag-Moran, Dr. rer. nat. developed digital and print learning materials for children, whose schools now adopt the tools. In an announcement by the NRCP, the funding agency announced that the Department of Education – Schools Division of Siargao approved the use of the materials to 鈥渟trengthen literacy and promote environmental education for young learners.鈥�

The materials include a printed workbook, the Siargao Flora & Fauna Puzzle mobile game, and twenty-one (21) animated videos focusing on what comprise Siargao鈥檚 famed biodiversity. The materials have a focus on mangrove research areas.

Banag-Moran鈥檚 team is composed of the following academic staff: Inst. Jorge Anton D. Ordas, MSc, Inst. Genea Nichole Cortez (content writer for the workbook), MSc, Asst. Prof. Mae Lowe L. Diesmos, MSc, Academician Mudjekeewis Santos, PhD (Graduate School), and Academician Arvin Diesmos, PhD.

The project was based on a 2019-2020 study entitled 鈥淎ssessment, Inventory, and Biological Field Survey of Flora and Fauna of the Mangrove Forests in Del Carmen, Siargao Island.鈥� The team worked closely with Del Carmen Mayor Hon. Alfredo Coro, Jr. and his team for the endeavor.

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This newly published article explores the profound physical and mental suffering endured by COVID-19 patients, contextualized through the spiritual framework of Pope John Paul II’s Salvifici Doloris. The authors examine the intersection of health challenges and spiritual reflection, offering insights into how patients navigated the pandemic’s difficulties by finding redemptive meaning in their experiences. The study emphasizes the importance of pastoral care and the transformative power of suffering when viewed through the lens of Christ鈥檚 own redemptive suffering.

Drawing from medical journals and patient testimonies, it highlights how individuals framed their suffering as divine retribution or punishment. However, through the theological lens of Pope John Paul II’s Salvifici Doloris, the authors propose that suffering can be understood as redemptive鈥攁n invitation to participate in Christ鈥檚 own sufferings, offering a path to spiritual conversion and healing. The study also underscores the importance of providing holistic pastoral care, addressing not only the physical and psychological needs of COVID-19 patients but also their spiritual well-being. Using Pope John XXIII’s See-Judge-Act methodology, the paper calls for an approach to care that integrates medical treatment with spiritual and emotional support, encouraging deeper engagement with the redemptive possibilities of suffering.

This reflective examination provides a unique theological and spiritual perspective on the unprecedented health crisis caused by COVID-19. It contributes to ongoing discussions about the role of faith in times of suffering and encourages deeper engagement with the redemptive potential of human suffering. The article calls for more integrated pastoral care that respects the complexity of physical, psychological, and spiritual pain during illness.

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UST GS and Faculty of Arts and Letters Professor Marilu R. Madrunio, Ph.D presented her paper titled “Memorandum of Agreement on Research Production: How Binding is It?” Her study explored the legal implications of contracts signed between researchers and research center directors at a comprehensive university in Manila, focusing on the specific provisions that are either upheld or neglected in practice. Findings of her study revealed that while the signed contract is valid with essential requisites, gaps in its preparation and enforcement were identified, prompting recommendations for a review of the provisions and research management strategies to improve effectiveness and prevent future litigation.

Meanwhile, Prof. Alejandro S. Bernardo, Ph.D, also from UST GS and Faculty of Arts and Letters, shared his research titled “A Survey of Pedagogical Models for Teaching English in the Expanding Circle.” In this study, he examined instructional frameworks used in regions where English is not the primary language but is increasingly taught, aiming to identify effective teaching approaches suited to these communities. His study showed that although pedagogical models in the Expanding Circle promoted positive attitudes toward English varieties and awareness of its diversity, these models still struggled to achieve coherence and alignment in their instructional design.

During the world conference, Asst. Prof. Joram Kim Corcuera, an academic staff from the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters and a Ph.D student from the UST GS, also presented a part of his dissertation titled, 鈥淭he Bridge Between Language and Sports: Examining Sportscasting Biases in the Construction of Filipino Athletes鈥� Identity.鈥� His study examined media biases in sportscasting through analysis of media coverage and interviews, revealing a duality of biases that shaped athletes’ portrayals and influenced public perception. Corcuera also presented his study in the first AILA Early Career Researchers鈥� Symposium as the representative of the Philippines, where he highlighted the need to manage biases in media practices to better understand their cultural impact and the role of media in shaping the identities of various sports personalities.

Prof. Rachelle Lintao, Ph.D of the UST GS and the Chair of the Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Letters also led her students in the Graduate School, namely: Maria Danielle Albano, who also serves as the English Supervisor of Immaculate Conception Academy, along with Fermina Vergara of UST Senior High School, in presenting their research titled “Utilizing Data-driven Learning in Improving Filipino ESL Students’ Usage of Academic Language in Writing Argumentative Essays.” Their study revealed that by incorporating corpus-based materials and activities in the classes, data-driven learning (DDL) strategies significantly improved students’ academic writing skills.

Additionally, Lintao also spearheaded another paper presentation with her GS students, namely: Corcuera, Edmund Angelo Glory of Bacoor National High School-Villa Maria Annex, Pauline Mae Lim of the UST Junior High School, and Christine Paula Pedro of Maria Montessori School of Quezon City. Their study titled “Using Data-Driven Learning in Developing Modal Verb Proficiency among Selected ESL Learners in the Philippines” examined the effectiveness of the corpus tool #LancsBox in developing modal verb proficiency among ESL learners in the Philippines through data-driven learning and found that DDL is best used as a supplementary tool alongside other primary activities to address additional language challenges faced by students.

Krizza Mae C. Balisong, a Ph.D student at the UST GS, also shared a part of her dissertation titled, “Investigating the Linguistic Features and Metafunctions of Peace Pacts.” This analysis of the linguistic features of written peace pacts from Sadanga and Bontoc, Mountain Province, revealed that while these legal documents contained features shown in previous studies of the language of the law, they also have unique characteristics that described the indigenous communities鈥� context and culture.

In the six-day international research conference, Kreisler Fontamillas, a UST GS Ph.D student and an assistant professor at Romblon State University, also presented a part of his dissertation titled, “Credibility and Admissibility of Forensic Linguists in Philippine Jurisprudence: Legitimizing Their Role as Expert Witnesses.” His paper proposed a legal framework for the engagement of forensic linguists as expert witnesses in Philippine courts, aiming to enhance their credibility and admissibility, which could lead to more accurate and just outcomes in cases involving forensic linguistic evidence.

Ma. Kaela Joselle Madrunio, an alumna from the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters, who is currently an MA Forensic Linguistics student at Aston University, also shared her study titled “Evidentiality and Epistemicity: Stance Taking of Courtroom Interactants in Select Philippine Court Trials.” Her research analyzed the use of stance markers and the interplay of evidentiality, epistemicity, and stance taking in Philippine court trials, which highlighted the importance of stance in ensuring credible and reliable statements. Her initial findings revealed that courtroom participants in Philippine trials predominantly use Filipino stance markers over English, which highlight the influence of cultural and social nuances on bilingualism in legal settings and its potential impact on perceived credibility.

Organized by the Malaysian Association of Applied Linguistics, the 21st AILA World Conference attracted over 1,700 delegates from 69 countries. As part of a trilogy of World Congresses celebrating 60 years of AILA, the event sought to understand the pivotal role of applied linguistics in addressing global challenges and fostering a more equitable world.

The next AILA World Congress, which will be hosted by the Canadian Association of Applied Linguistics, will take place in Vancouver, Canada, from August 8 to 13, 2027.

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Under the Department of Occupational Therapy, eight student interns participated in the Global Initiatives Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion (SOTI) Program of the University of Southern California Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy from July 1 to 31.

Onsite participants were Regina Lianne Castro and Noel Remi Pineda while Danielle Josephine Ang, Geordee de Guzman, Frances Therese Ureta, Mariella Sofia Palo, Keiana Louise Lazaro, and Mary Catherine Anne Olegario participated in the same program online.

This program aims to facilitate the development of a more global perspective of occupational therapy, health, and wellness.

Meanwhile, the Department of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) contributed to the row of internationalization efforts by initiating a partnership with the Hanen Centre to bring certification and workshops to the Philippines. Several of the academic staff, clinical supervisors,  and alumni from SLP have successfully completed the More Than Words Certification Program from July 22 to 24. 

The Hanen Centre is a charitable organization geared towards helping professionals, parents, caregivers and educators to have the skills to promote the best possible language, social and literacy skills in young children including those that are differently abled. Specifically, the program offered focuses on empowering parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to improve their social communication skills.

Among the academic staff who participated were Mr. Paul William D. Jacinto, MRS-RSLP, Ms. Mary Ann Gisselle O. Esguerra, MHPEd, RSLP, and Mr. Daniel Ymmanual E. Puri, RSLP. UST Communication Sciences Center clinical supervisors Mr. Lord Andre Arde帽a, RSLP, Ms. Jana Maitina Ysabelle Batoy, RSLP, and Mr. Ian Francis Peralta, RSLP also joined the workshop.

Lastly, CRS also welcomed Lect. Supatida Sorasak Siangchin, Ms. Hudasamila Da-Oh, and Mr. Peerayut Saardaiam of Mahidol University as they participated in a month-long Global Immersion Program (GIE). 

Lect. Siangchin had an academic encounter with occupational therapy interns where she shared with them her study titled, “Experiences of Thai older adults regarding smartphone usage in daily activities” during their pre-internship activity.

Siangchin, Da-Oh, and Saardaiam also paid a courtesy visit to the UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta, DrPH, and UST Office of International Relations and Programs Director Prof. Lilian Sison, Ph.D., during which other possible collaborations were discussed.

These internationalization efforts display the commitment of the college in improving the overall academic experience of both students and academic staff.

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The student group, together with CTHM academic staff Mr. Wyett White T. Lee and Ms. Katherine Camille Nagal, together with the Hospitality Management Department Chairperson, Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento and CTHM Dean, Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, arrived in Hong Kong with their first stop at the Philippine Consulate where they met with Consul General Atty. Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan, a Thomasian alumna, as well as two other CTHM graduates currently employed at the consulate.

As part of the students鈥� internship experience, they were introduced to Ritz-Carlton’s renowned service culture having the chance to work in different departments and experience management styles from diverse supervisors and managers.

As the biggest delegation of interns leaving the University for international internship since the pandemic, the partnership between CTHM and The Ritz-Carlton is a promising endeavor for future Thomasian Tourism and Hospitality Professionals.

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Aligned with the theme Perspective on Sustainability Disclosure: The Trend of Corporate Reporting in an Emerging Market, Yabut discussed the demand for accountants to develop sustainability-related competencies. This was followed by an examination of the evolving sustainability reporting landscape in the Philippines, together with the underlying sustainability strategies of Philippine corporations.

Finally, Yabut presented some recommendations for accounting and business academics as they develop a sustainability integration plan for the existing curricula.

Surabaya State University is a public university in Indonesia. The lecture is part of UNESA鈥檚 annual workshop that aims to address pressing issues in the fields of economics and business. This year鈥檚 theme centered on the Sustainable Development Goals and corporate sustainability.

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Prior to the actual day of the conference, a special tour of the San Agustin Church was conducted by Prof. Regalado Trota Jose, Chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

With sessions held in Cagayan de Oro on August 5-6, participants had the unique opportunity to explore the Opol Ruins, Our Lady of Candelaria Chapel, Talisayan Church, Balingasag Old House, Jasaan Ruins and Church, among other sites. During this time, Prof. Ayako Fukushima of Kyushu University, Matthieu Masson from the Diocese of Hong Kong, and Dr. Eric Zerudo, Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, shared their expertise in a presentation centering on catholic church world heritage sites, nominations, and conservation approaches.

On August 7, another forum continued at the UST College of Tourism and Hospitality Management-Sentro Turismo. On this day, additional presentations, including “Updates on the Case of Naepo Church: Journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nominations” by Fr. Kim Sungtae, Director of Naepo Church History Institution of Daejeon Diocese, “Status of Church Heritage in the Philippines” by Fr. Milan Ted D. Torralba, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church (CBCP-ECCHC), “Rebuilding Sto. Domingo: Contexts and Goals in Post-War Philippines” by Rev. Mervin Lomague, Member of the Dominican Province of the Philippines Cultural Heritage Committee, and the “Status of Boljoon Church on its Bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination” by Fr. Brian Brigoli, Chair of the Archdiocese of Cebu Commission on Church Heritage were shared with the group. The open forum was facilitated by Dr. Zerrudo.

Apart from ARCH members, they are joined by representatives from the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, National Historical Commissions of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and ICOMOS Philippines. Their presence was acknowledged by Ms. Beverly Bautista, Officer-in-Charge of USTGS-CCCPET. Dr. Lilian J. Sison, Director of UST Office for International Relations and Programs and Prof. Michael Anthony C. Vasco, Dean of the UST Graduate School were also present during the event.

The event concluded with a tour of Santo Domingo Church and San Sebastian Church for the ARCH members. The Heritage Forum, with its diverse and comprehensive range of presentations and discussions, provided valuable insights and recommendations for preserving church heritage. The robust network established during the event will continue to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among international and local heritage specialists and practitioners.

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The seminar workshop’s primary objective was to enhance participants’ knowledge of cultural mapping and equip them with the skills to apply it in their communities. This comprehensive approach aimed to create a detailed inventory of cultural assets, assess their significance, and identify their potential for community development, including enhancing tourism, education, and economic growth.

The seminar also introduced cultural planning as a strategic framework for integrating cultural assets into broader sustainable development efforts, addressing community needs and objectives. Additionally, it emphasized heritage utilization, which leverages cultural mapping and planning outcomes to benefit the community through tourism, education, and local economic development.

The event included not only lectures but also hands-on workshops. Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Dexter Galit, a committed advocate for cultural development, welcomed the guest speakers and participants. Ms. Beverly Macayan-Bautista, the Officer-in-charge of CCCPET, who took the helm of conceptualizing the Pamanaraan program, shared a lecture on ‘Cultural Mapping: Laws, Process, and Utilization’ and facilitated a workshop on cultural mapping. Assistant Professor Jame Monren Mercado, academic staff from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Coordinator of Sentro Turismo, shared his insights on ‘Cultural Development Planning’ and led the workshop on cultural planning.

The final part of the workshop, focusing on heritage utilization and the creation of a museum, was led by Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo, Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The seminar-workshop underscores the Provincial Government’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of Governor Edwin Ongchuan, to preserving Northern Samar’s rich history, culture, and heritage, including the establishment of the Ibabao Museum of Northern Samar, the envisioned provincial museum of Nortehanon.

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The President and Chief Executive Officer of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Atty. Agnes Devanadera and the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Chief Operations Officer Ms. Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles highlighted the said turnover during the Plenary Closing Ceremony of MICE Con 2024.

The CFSEZ MICE SMP鈥檚 primary purpose is to provide strategic direction and develop a roadmap specifically for the MICE industry of Clark and its key stakeholders. The strategic management plan is aligned with the vision, mission, and objectives of the CDC, the Regional Department of Tourism, and the goals and objectives of the private sectors within Clark. It also helps identify the different external, internal, and competitive factors and trends that can influence and impact the delivery of MICE services in Clark; recommend a formal structure or committee focused on MICE to be implemented by the CDC; create guidelines and strategies that aim to provide direction for the implementation and delivery of MICE services in Clark; and develop institutionalized action plans for Clark鈥檚 MICE committee.

The project team was headed by its Project Director and Dean of CTHM, Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, DCL together with its members, Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado (Project Coordinator), Asst. Prof. Jane G. Devanadera (Academic Project Consultant), Ms. Ma Darlene Joyce C. Loquias (Industry Project Consultant), Mr. Arnulfo Ricardo A. Bution (Writer/Researcher), Ms. Kathrine Camille A. Nagal (Writer/Researcher), Ms. Nikki Ciara S. Almirez (Research Assistant), and Ms. Ruby Ann I. Lucina (Graphic Artist).

It was also during this conference that the MICE Youth Challenge 2024 was held where students from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management bagged the 1st Runner-up for an event business proposal titled 鈥淢ANGAN! Biyaheng Pampanga, a Dine and Ride Adventure!鈥�. The proposal was conceptualized by BS Tourism Management studentsKyle Alexandra A. Mararac, Krishna Andrei O. Martinzo, Alyssa Shane P. Paguio, and Solomon M. Santiago.

The team were under the guidance and supervision of their academic advisers Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, MBA and Mr. John Jerick C. Santos, MLdrshpOrgLrng. Additionally, the Tourism Promotions Board appointed Mr. Anton Magpantay as an industry coach to better align the wholeness of the event business proposal to the practice of the industry.

The college鈥檚 constant support to LGUs through the Sentro Tourismo and the commendable performance of the students at this year’s Philippine MICE Youth Challenge underscores the institution’s commitment to excellence and the promising future of its students in the MICE industry.

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