The UST College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) forged three sustainable partnerships through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement and Terms of Reference. The ceremony was held on June 1, 2022 (Wednesday) at the Multi-purpose Hall, 8/F, Bl. Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. Building.
University of Santo Tomas and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ATOP)
The agreement involves the implementation of a collaborative engagement between ATOP, UST CTHM, and the Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (GS-CCCPET), on an exclusive basis, to develop a physical library hub and maintain the digital and website platform for the Pearl Awards Nomination Book and other related materials.
ATOP will turnover existing and future materials (raw images, text, videos, audio, etc.) to UST CTHM and GS-CCCPET for on-site and digital documentation and safekeeping. Additionally, for the University to provide accessibility of the library hub and website to potential researchers and academicians as approved by ATOP and concerned LGUs.
GS-CCCPET will provide exclusive copies of the natural and cultural heritage mapping and other related materials to CTHM for safekeeping as part of the Tourism Center – Library Hub. In turn, CTHM will provide a physical room and a technical staff to support the safekeeping of the materials retrieved by GS-CCCPET.
Kulinarya Silangan: The Eastern Visayas Food Mapping Project
Kulinarya Silangan, a major campaign for the region, is a food mapping documentation on the six provinces of Eastern Visayas, namely, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte. It will focus on three strands of Eastern Visayan foods such as dishes (pagkaon), rice cakes (suman), and sweets (tinam-isan).
The objectives of this project are as follows:
- To identify and document the distinct dishes (pagka-on), rice cakes (suman), and sweets (tinam-isan) of the region.
- To develop a database of metanarratives that will facilitate research and studies on food anthropology and functional disciplines such as health, agriculture, tourism, education, product development, and others.
- To conduct a series of seminars, workshops, and writeshop on food documentation.
- To formulate a tourism campaign program for food destinations, food routes, food landscapes, and seascapes.
The University of Santo Tomas Team, representing the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., was headed by UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL. The other official representatives include CTHM Regent Rev. Fr. Roland D. Mactal, O.P., SThD, CTHM Dean Assoc. Prof. Atty. Dr. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, DCL, GS Dean Prof. Michael Anthony C. Vasco, Ph.D., and GS CCCPET Director Assoc. Prof. Eric B. Zerrudo, Ph.D.
ATOP was represented by its National President Arwin Paul A. Lingat and National Secretary-General Ms. Jomelyn M. Abuan. They were also accompanied by Atty. Jose Maria Cesar C. San Pedro (Regional Representative, Region 3 and the Provincial Tourism Officer for the Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija), Atty. Jeffrey C. Saclot (Regional Representative, Region 10 and the Provincial Tourism Officer for the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental), Mr. Edwin B. Guinto (Secretary for Luzon and the Supervising Tourism Operations Officer for the City Government of Bacoor, Cavite), and Mr. Charlie Dungo (Regional Representative, NCR and the Officer-in-charge, Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila for the City Government of Manila).
DOT RO8 was represented by Regional Director Karina Rosa Santiago-Tiopes, CESO III.
A learner-academic staff research collaboration was presented and officially turned over to the ATOP during the event. The research title is Pamanang Haraya (Inherited Vision): A Videographic Manifest Content-analysis of the Philippine Local Government Unit’s Tourism Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The researchers were fourth Year BS Tourism Management major in Travel Operation and Service Management students, namely, Ms. Aleza Mae R. Bernal, Ms. Carmina C. Samson, Ms. Franzcess Nicole B. Aglugub, Ms. Gershei Mae K. Quirao, Ms. Kristel Pearl B. Capulong, and Ms. Patrisha Clare B. Santos. For mentoring, Mr. Jame Monren T. Mercado, an academic staff from the Department of Tourism Management, joined the students and co-authored the manuscript.
