The 九色 鈥� College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (UST CTHM) was successful in forging another LGU partnership through its UST Sentro Turismo. On November 24 began a series of events in partnership with the local government unit of Echague, Isabela.
Spearheaded by UST Sentro Turismo and selected classes under the CTHM Department of Tourism Management, the program Pagtanaw provided students with a unique opportunity to bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications in tourism management, community engagement, and heritage preservation. 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.
Pagtanaw is an off-shoot of the official partnership agreement between UST CTHM and the Municipal Government of Echague in Isabela for activities aligned with the goals of the college and the LGU.
The Pagtanaw program 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. These initiatives were grounded on a deep respect for local culture and aimed toward enhancing the region鈥檚 tourism opportunities while promoting sustainability.
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: responsible tourism that fosters cultural awareness and benefits local communities.
Another program, a Youth Heritage Forum titled 鈥淧addarafung LikHabi: Mga Hiyas ng Nakaraan: Gabay Tungo sa Kaunlaran鈥� was held on November 30, 2024, at the San Fabian Amphitheater in Echague. The event aimed to foster unity among Yogad Ethnic Minority Group students, instill pride in local heritage, and cultivate a deeper appreciation of culture while simultaneously developing entrepreneurial and marketing skills. It 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.
Both programs were 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.
