A group of Thomasian academic staff and administrators from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, #TeamKomunidad, won 3rd Place under Cluster 1 of the Annual Scientific Meeting and 92nd General Membership Meeting of the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) at the Philippine International Convention Center.
The research titled, “Sustainable Community-based Tourism Potential and Development of Barangay San Miguel, Echague, Isabela,” assessed the potential of Barangay San Miguel 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, MACHS, with its members, Asst. Prof. Avi Ben P. Andalecio, Ph.D., Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion A. Ang, M.B.A., CTHM Assistant Dean Assoc. Prof. Evangeline E. Timbang, Ph.D., and CTHM Dean Assoc. Prof. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, DCL. The project is in partnership with the House of Representatives Office of Hon. Faustino “Inno” A. Dy V from the 6th District of Isabela and the Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela.
The participation of the project team aligned with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
