Written by Hannah Mae L. Reyes | Photo courtesy of Tyra Nicolle Badie & Mikaella Jireh Malabanan
The School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) of the University of Baguio successfully conducted its Junior Practicum Pre-Deployment Seminar on May 18, 2026, at the UB Cardinals Gymnasium. A key highlight of the program was the emphasis on global readiness, delivered by distinguished guests from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).
Anchored on the theme, “Preparing Future Champions in Navigating the Tourism and Hospitality Industry,” the seminar served as an essential preparatory activity for students about to embark on their junior practicum and internship journey. The program provided students with academic guidance, professional insights, industry expectations, and international internship opportunities, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for real-world exposure in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The program proper highlighted several discussions led by faculty members, successful student interns, and guest speakers who shared valuable knowledge and experiences relevant to practicum deployment and professional growth.
One of the key discussions was delivered by Ms. Rachel Grace A. Liclican, Faculty Member, who discussed “Understanding Curriculum Flow and Junior Practicum Scheduling for On-Time Graduation.” She underscored the importance of following the curriculum flow, monitoring prerequisites, and updating program checklists each semester to avoid delays. Students were advised to organize enrollment requirements, adhere to schedules, and seek academic advising when needed. Ms. Liclican also reminded participants that the Junior Practicum is offered only during the short term, making preparation and compliance essential.
In addition, the practicum flowchart was thoroughly explained to guide students through the deployment process. The process begins with self-evaluation through submitted forms. Qualified students then proceed to enrollment and monitor their portals for confirmation. This is followed by the pre-deployment stage, which includes the submission of practicum requirements before students officially enter deployment and complete the required 300 practicum hours.
For Tourism Management students, Ms. Joanna Marie Villavicencio, Program Chair for BSTM-IT, discussed the available deployment areas for Tourism Junior Practicum. She explained that students may complete their practicum within Baguio City, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), or outside Baguio as well. She encouraged students to pursue practicum in their hometowns, positioning them as tourism ambassadors who can promote local culture and destinations while gaining meaningful industry experience.
Meanwhile, Ms. Kresdale May G. Pacalso, Program Chair for BSHM-PCA/HBO, discussed the Hospitality Management Junior Practicum and the various opportunities available for hospitality and culinary students. Her discussion emphasized the significance of experiential learning in preparing students for the highly dynamic hospitality industry.
An inspiring part of the seminar was the sharing of experiences by Mark Timothy M. Andal, a former intern at the Newtown Plaza Hotel. In his talk titled “Learning Beyond the Classroom,” he encouraged students to remain flexible, adaptable, and open to continuous learning throughout their internship journey. He reminded students to respect and value every department within the hotel or establishment, emphasizing that growth often happens in the departments students least expect. He further highlighted the importance of building a good name and reputation, as professionalism and work ethic play a vital role in career advancement within the tourism and hospitality industry.
The seminar also featured discussions on cross-border academic mobility and internationally aligned internship opportunities. Student interns Mary Angel M. Guarin and Francis Miguel Sayaboc shared their inspiring experiences during their international internship at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Florida, USA. Their testimonies showcased the opportunities and challenges of international deployment and highlighted the valuable skills and cultural competencies gained through global internship experiences. Topics such as front desk rotational operations and back-of-the-house hospitality operations were also discussed, giving students a clearer understanding of international hospitality standards and practices.
Another important session focused on the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) and migrant education. Ms. Maria Apattad discussed the pre-departure orientation for J1 Visa holders under the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). She introduced the agencies that cater to migrants, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). She explained that the EVP is a program of the United States government established under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, which aims to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries through educational and cultural exchange programs.
Furthermore, Ms. Rovie Pamintuan from the Migrant Integration and Education Division discussed human trafficking awareness and the importance of protecting students participating in international programs. She discussed Republic Act 9208, as amended by RA 10364 and RA 11862, which address anti-human trafficking measures, as well as RA 10906 or the Anti-Mail Order Spouse Law. The session served as an important reminder for students to remain vigilant, informed, and responsible when engaging in overseas internship opportunities.
Director Melanie Rulla-Saro also delivered a message during the seminar, further underscoring the importance of the session with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and inspiring students to value the global readiness initiatives presented.
The seminar concluded with the closing remarks delivered by Dean Jenelyn Mangangey-Magpatoc, Dean of the School of IHTM. She wrapped up the seminar by reminding students that practicum is more than just a curriculum requirement—it is an opportunity to develop professionalism, resilience, competence, and global readiness. She encouraged students to maximize every learning opportunity and to represent the University of Baguio with excellence, integrity, and passion.
After the closing remarks, a question-and-answer portion was conducted to address the concerns and inquiries of students regarding their On-the-Job Training (OJT). This interactive session allowed students to seek clarification about practicum requirements, deployment processes, internship opportunities, and other related concerns, making the seminar more engaging, informative, and student-centered.
Overall, the Junior Practicum Pre-Deployment Seminar 2026 became a meaningful and informative event that prepared students academically, professionally, and personally for their upcoming practicum journey. Through the collective insights of educators, industry professionals, and former interns, the seminar successfully inspired future tourism and hospitality professionals to become competent, adaptable, and globally competitive individuals ready to navigate the ever-evolving industry.
The program also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education (Target 4.4), by equipping students with skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Equally significant, the University’s collaboration with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) reflected SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, underscoring the value of multi-stakeholder cooperation in advancing education, cultural exchange, and responsible mobility.
