Mercado of Tourism Management, RCSSED bags 3 National Awards from the ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards 2022

Inst. Jame Monren T. Mercado, MACHS from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management and the Research Center for Social Sciences and Education won three (3) National Awards under Best Tourism Research from the 17^th Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ATOP) – Department of Tourism (DOT) Pearl Awards 2022, with the theme, “Rethinking Tourism”. It was held on October 28, 2022 (Thursday) at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City, Cavite. Mercado, together with his co-researchers, received the following awards:

Grand Winner

Research Title: Pamana sa Mata ng mga … Bata? (Heritage in the Eyes of the … Child?): A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Student Tour Guides on Heritage Sustainability – The Case of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Partner Local Government Unit: Municipality of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

1^st Runner-up

Research Title: Pukpok na nga ba sa limot?: Assessing the Heritage Significance and Safeguarding Culture on the Traditional Craftsmanship of Paete, Laguna, Philippines

Partner Local Government Unit: Municipality of Paete, Laguna

Co-researcher: Dr. Marygrace A. Ac-ac (De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Manila and Museo Ac-ac and Atelier)

2^nd Runner-up

Research Title: Pangangalaga or Pag-unlad (Preservation or Development): A Phenomenological Study on the Stakeholders on the Conservation and Urbanization of a Historic Town – The Case of Lucban, Quezon, Philippines

Partner Local Government Unit: Municipality of Lucban, Quezon

Co-researchers: Dr. Claire Ann M. Yao (Southern Luzon State University Lucban Campus) and Dr. Maricel D. Herrera (Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Inc. Lucena Campus)

The Pearl Awards is an annual recognition given to outstanding local government units (LGU) that showcase significant tourism and hospitality-related programs and projects. Under the Best Tourism Research category, it encourages universities and colleges to submit research studies that have not been published. Research could be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology, preferably endorsed by the college or university. The research should be initiated by an institution of higher education (HEI) or a non-government organization (NGO) endorsed by a local government unit.