The research entitled “Sustainable ľĹÉ«-based Tourism Potential and Development of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela” 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’s 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’s 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 “Inno” 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).

The post UST study on sustainable community-based tourism potential of Isabela town wins 3rd place in DOST NRCP poster contest appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

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’s 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 “Inno” 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’s 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’s 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’s rich cultural legacy while contributing to the community’s 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.

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’s 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.

The post Sentro Turismo conducts immersive fieldwork, heritage forum Echague, Isabela appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

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 ľĹÉ« 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. “Our traditions are the foundation of our identity,” Simbi remarked. “By passing these skills to the next generation, we not only preserve our culture but also create opportunities for economic growth.”

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 Doña 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.

The post Echague, Isabela’s cultural heritage takes center stage in CTHM youth forum appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

The plan aimed to assess the potential of Barangay San Miguel in Echague, Isabela, for sustainable community-based tourism in the new and next normal. It also determined the current situation of the barangay, specifically its community-based tourism industry development, analyzed different related issues, constraints, and opportunities of the barangay for community-based tourism industry development, assessed the perspectives and views of different stakeholders on the sustainability and development of the barangay’s tourism resources, assessed tourism development impacts, specifically on the barangay’s economic, socio-cultural, and environmental aspects, and developed a sustainable community-based tourism strategic development framework and sustainability indicators for Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela.

The Office of Hon. Faustino “Inno” A. Dy V of the 6^th District of Isabela initiated the project and was supported by the Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela. The turnover activity was conducted at the Blessed Jane of Aza Lounge, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building.

Mr. Louie Simbe, the Municipal Tourism, Culture, and Arts Officer of the Municipality, and Ms. Claire Santiago, the Political Affairs Assistant under the Office of Cong. Inno officially received the plan. Officials from the DOST NRCP also attended the event. It was headed by Dr. Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo (President) and Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda (Executive Director). While RCSSEd was represented by its Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jeremaiah M. Opiniano.

#TeamKomunidad of the UST CTHM and Sentro Turismo spearheaded the project under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS, with the team members, Asst. Prof. Dr. Avi Ben P. Andalecio, Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, Assistant Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang, and Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado.

The plan was an output of the project entitled “Sustainable ľĹÉ«-based Tourism Potential and Development of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela in the New/Next Normal.” The project was also part of the 1^st batch of the Policy-funded Research Projects under the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The post RCSSEd, Sentro Turismo turn over 10-yr sustainable tourism, strategic dev’t plan to Echague, Isabela LGU appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

The project is in partnership with the City Government, represented by its Mayor, Hon. Lucy Torres-Gomez, Hon. Richard I. Gomez, DPA (Congressman, 4^th District of Leyte), the members of the Sanggunian Panlungsod Committee on Tourism, Culture, Heritage, and the Arts, the City Tourism Council, and the Ormoc City Tourism Office. At the same time, the ľĹÉ« was represented by the Assistant Dean of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang, and the members of the project team.

Mayor Torres-Gomez pointed out during her Message of Appreciation that the plan will provide them with significant measures for conceptualizing their programs and projects for the sustainable tourism development of the city. It also allowed the government to be aware of the current negative situations in the Ormoc Tourism Industry that it must address. After the output presentation, the Sanggunian Committee approved the Resolution adopting the plan.

The project team was headed by its Project Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, together with its members, Asst. Prof. Jame Monren T. Mercado (Project Coordinator and Writer/Researcher), Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang (Writer/Researcher), Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento (Writer/Researcher), Mr. Wyett White T. Lee (Writer/Researcher), Mr. Alec P. Bagcus (Writer/Researcher), Ms. Andrea Nicole D. Hernandez (Research Assistant), and Mr. Allan B. Bundang (Graphic Artist).

The post CTHM’s Sentro Turismo turns over five-year sustainable strategic tourism dev’t plan to Ormoc City appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

The project aimed to assess the potential and development of the Barangay and its related stakeholders on sustainable community-based tourism. It was funded by the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST NRCP) through the initiative of the House of Representatives Office of Hon. Faustino “Inno” A. Dy V of the 6^th District of Isabela.

During the Policy Forum, Congressman Inno Dy V, who is also the Chair of the House Committee on Bases Conversion, shared the significance of sustainable tourism development to uplift the way of life of the local community and their related stakeholders in the municipality and even through its district and nearby provinces. The plan will provide them with a strategic and evidence-based approach to mechanizing their programs and projects for tourism development and resource conservation. 

After the research forum, Congressman Inno graced a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the ľĹÉ« and the Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela. The MOA signified the strong relationship between the two parties, specifically on implementing the DOST NRCP Policy Funded Research Project. LGU Echague was represented by Hon. Francis Faustino “Kiko” A. Dy (Municipal Mayor), Hon. Allan P. Tupong, MD (Municipal Vice Mayor), the Members of the Sanggunian Bayan, and Mr. Louie C. Simbe (Municipal Tourism, Culture and Arts Officer).

#TeamKomunidad is headed by Inst. Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS of RCSSEd, CTHM, and UST Sentro Turismo. He was joined by the project team members, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado (Dean), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evangeline E. Timbang (Assistant Dean), Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, Dr. Avi Ben P. Andalecio, and Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento. They were assisted by Inst. Danilo P. Bustillos II (Department of Hospitality Management) and Ms. Andrea Nicole D. Hernandez (CTHM Alumna Batch 2019).

The post #TeamKomunidad of RCSSEd, CTHM presents DOST NRCP Policy Research proposals appeared first on ľĹÉ«.

Department of Tourism Management Chair Asst. Prof. Jane G. Devenadera, MSTM, CHE, CGSP noted that the hub, a new chapter for both CTHM and the University, will be a niche for sharing and exchange of ideas in line with its purpose. “Ang pagbuo sa UST Sentro Turismo sa CTHM ay isang yugto, isang antas, isang pagbabago sa aming kolehiyo na magsisilbing lugar upang bumuo ng pangarap, pananaliksik, partnership, at marami pang iba,” Devenadera said.

In her message, Regional Director of Department of Tourism – NCR Ms. Sharlene Zabala-Batin noted that the hub not only unlocks the potential of Thomasian students, but it can also serve as an instrument that further shapes the tourism industry not just in NCR but in the whole country.

CTHM Research Innovation and Extension Services Coordinator and Research Center for Social Sciences and Education researcher Mr. Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS highlighted that the hub is envisioned to empower local communities by sharing their knowledge and expertise. Mercado also laid down the three theoretical frameworks that molded its concept: educational approach, developmental approach, and ethical approach.

“[UST Sentro Turismo] sustainably promotes significance of academe industry and government partnership collaboration through business and innovation and extension services, which is aligned to our Dominican Values.” Mercado said.

Threefold functions

With its threefold functions of research, teaching and learning, and extension services, the new Sentro Turismo “sustainably promotes the significance of academe-industry-government partnership and collaboration through business and innovation, research and extension services development aligned in the Dominican ethical and moral virtues.” According to the ł§±đ˛ÔłŮ°ů´Ç’s Coordinator Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS, “the UST Sentro Turismo envisions to be the lead promoter and implementor of industry and governance-related curriculum development by providing tourism and hospitality outcomes-based programs and projects that could sustainably benefit and provide economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and politico-administrative impacts to different primary and secondary stakeholders.”

The three hubs of the Sentro

The Sentro is comprised of three hubs, namely: 1) Business and Innovation, 2) Research, and 3) Extension Services. 

For business and innovation, the Sentro will provide services pertaining to travel and tourism with its Travel Bureau, Tour Guiding courses, and Ushering activities. It will likewise house the Philippine Gastronomy Unit for the different studies and projects pertaining to Philippine cuisines. In coordination with the UST TomasInno Center, private firms can avail of consultancy services of the Sentro.

Studies on tourism and hospitality will be coordinated by the Research hub, which will liaise with the University’s research units led by the Office of the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation. Among the projects in the pipeline are the Philippine International Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference and a research journal.

For extension services, the expertise of the College will be provided to various external partners through capacity-building opportunities, speaking engagements, and memberships. A key partner of the Sentro is the UST Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics, led by Director Eric B. Zerrudo, PhD, who pioneered and rolled out cultural mapping projects all over the country in coordination with various local government units and institutions.

The new Sentro is managed by the CTHM’s Research, Innovation, and Extension Services Committee, currently led by Coordinator Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS. He is joined by Assistant Coordinator Avi Ben P. Andalecio, PhD, Academic Staff Associates for External Affairs Alec P. Bagtus, MSTDM, Academic Staff Associate for Internal Affairs Lizette A. Vicente-Villaflor, MSTHM and Catherine C. Mondejar, MSTHM, Events Coordinator Karl R. Baroro, MBA, and Academic Staff Associates for Events Wyett White T. Lee, MSc and Elijah J. Coronado.

Attending the event are University and CTHM officials, led by the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation fr. Jannel N. Abogado, O.P., DTPS, CTHM Dean Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, DCL, and CTHM Regent fr. Roland D. Mactal, O.P., SThD. External partners included the Department of Tourism – NCR’s Dir. Sharlene Zabala-Batin and Mr. Ernesto Batin, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s DDG Vidal D. Villanueva III and Mr. Rodger Patrice M. Castillo, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority’s Ms. Irene R. Tumaon , Philippine Retirement Authority’s Ms. Ma. Alexia Melegrito, Intramuros Administration’s Mr. John Arcilla, National Museum’s Ms. Reinelle S. Rogel, National Library of the Philippines’s Ms. Melanie A. Ramirez, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Chairman Arthur P. Casanova, PhD, and local executives Mayor Francis Faustino A. Dy (Echague, Isabela), Mayor Edgon T. Sombilon (San Jose, Romblon).

Industry partners from various associations were also present, such as Philippine Tour Operators Association 1st Vice-President Mary Ann F. Ong, Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines National Treasurer Jocelyn Abuan, Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines Director Rudie Cabardo, and Association of Administrators in Hospitality, Hotel and Restaurant Management Educational Institutions President Lilibeth Aragon.

The post UST Sentro Turismo launched as collaboration hub for academe, industry, government for sustainable tourism appeared first on ľĹÉ«.