On June 1, 2022 (Wednesday), the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ATOP) inked a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Santo Tomas, specifically the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) and the Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics, “to develop a physical library hub and maintain the digital and website platform for the Pearl Awards Nomination Book and other related materials.”
With the agreement, UST will perform the onsite and digital documentation and safekeeping and ensure the accessibility of data to potential researchers approved by ATOP, as well as concerned local government units.
The University of Santo Tomas team was led by Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL as the official representative of the Rector, the Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD. He was joined by CTHM Regent Rev. Fr. Roland D. Mactal, O.P., SThD, CTHM Dean Assoc. Prof. Atty. Dr. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, Graduate School Dean Prof. Dr. Michael Anthony C. Vasco, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo (Director, Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics).
ATOP was represented by Mr. Arwin Paul A. Lingat (National President and City Tourism Officer, City Government of Mabalacat, Pampanga) and Ms. Jomelyn M. Abuan (National Secretary-General and Municipal Tourism Officer, Municipal Government of Montalban (Rodriguez), Rizal). They were also accompanied by Atty. Jose Maria Cesar C. San Pedro (Regional Representative, Region 3 and the Provincial Tourism Officer, Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija), Atty. Jeffrey C. Saclot (Regional Representative, Region 10 and the Provincial Tourism Officer, Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental), Mr. Edwin B. Guinto (Secretary for Luzon and the Supervising Tourism Operations Officer, 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, City Government of Manila).
