Written by Rachel Grace Liclican
Almost a thousand students and educators from universities and colleges nationwide and abroad gathered on February 28, 2025, at the Cordillera Convention Hall, Baguio Country Club, for the 9th International Tourism and Hospitality Students’ Convention (ITHSC), organized by the University of Baguio-School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (UB-SIHTM).
With the theme “Adapting to a Changing Landscape: Championing Innovation and Sustainability in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry,” the convention featured insightful discussions on smart tourism, tourism as a catalyst for growth, empowering the next-generation workforce, and food sustainability. A key highlight was the roundtable discussion, where participants actively shared their experiences and perspectives.
Dir. Warner M. Andrada, Director for the Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research, and Information Management of the Department of Tourism, discussed the topic “Smart Tourism: Harnessing Technology to Shape Sustainable Destinations”. He emphasized the significance of the TourLISTA or the Tourism Live – Inventory and Statistics of Tourist Arrivals, a web-based tool for analyzing and assessing tourist arrivals, offering real-time updates, advanced data visualization tools, and comprehensive inventory and statistics to empower tourism stakeholders.
Afterward, Professor Hanie Maychel Infante of the Far Eastern University moderated the panel discussion featuring esteemed panelists Dr. Sevilla Felicen (Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas), Prof. Emerson Jose Rillera Jr. (PanPacific University), and Dean Blessie Cabanting (University of Northern Philippines).
Another distinguished speaker, Ms. Lorraine A. Ngao-i, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer for the Province of Kalinga, delivered an insightful talk on “Tourism as a Catalyst: Empowering Communities for Inclusive Growth.” She highlighted how the province fosters community empowerment through tourism, emphasizing Kalinga’s rich cultural heritage, particularly its traditional weaving (laga) and local cuisine through the slow food movement.
The panel discussion that followed was moderated by Dean Jessel Joy Sangdaan of the University of Perpetual Help System – Isabela, with panel reactors Prof. Ranel Montemayor (Nueva Vizcaya State University-Bambang), Dean Victor Bernal (Pangasinan State University), and Prof. Amy Baltazar (Mariano Marcos State University).
In the afternoon session, Ms. Charmaine Joy Rama-De Guzman, General Manager of Le Monet Hotel, shared her expertise on “Empowering the NextGen Workforce for the Future of Hospitality and Tourism.” She provided a valuable industry perspective on the evolving landscape of tourism and hospitality careers.
The following panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Rhea Adriatico of Nueva Vizcaya State University-Bayombong, with contributions from panel reactors Prof. May Anne Dimas (STI College of San Jose), Prof. Venus Labutan(Cordillera Career Development College), and Prof. Aldrin Geric Castillo (Lyceum of the Philippines-Laguna).
Next, Ms. Eva Ritchelle Padua, CEO of Dulche Chocolates and Chairman of the Cordillera Cacao Council, captivated the audience with her talk on “Greening the Plate: Food Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry.” Her passion for cacao production resonated deeply, as she emphasized zero-waste practices and the versatility of cacao beyond chocolates.
Prof. Denmark Catan of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Inc. led the subsequent the panel discussion with Prof. Jeferson Mojica (Cavite State University-Trece Martires City), Dean Jocelyn Ang (Baguio Central University), and Dean Brenda Babaran (Easter College, Inc.) as panel reactors.
The convention concluded with an engaging roundtable discussion, “The Future Speaks: Innovation x Sustainability,” facilitated by Mr. Eunkyu “Nick” Chun, Pacific Asia Travel Association Executive for Membership & Youth Programme. This interactive session encouraged attendees to exchange insights, experiences, and forward-thinking ideas on innovation and sustainability in tourism.
A significant event highlight was the launch of 24K Green Steps: A Plogging Movement, spearheaded by UB-SIHTM. This initiative inspired participating schools to join the Plogging Movement and integrate sustainability and environmental responsibility into tourism and hospitality education.
Reaffirming the industry’s commitment to sustainable and innovative growth, the success of the 9th ITHSC was made possible by the dedication and passion of its organizers. Leading the event over the years was Ms. Jenelyn Mangangey-Magpatoc, Emeritus Event Chair for ITHSC and NTHSSO and Dean of UB-SIHTM, along with the 9th ITHSC organizing committee. The team was headed by Ms. Joanna Marie V. Villavicencio, Overall Chair for the 9th ITHSC and 4th NTHSSO, with Ms. Rachel Grace A. Liclican serving as Chair and Ms. Roeanne Mylene K. Yango as Co-Chair, supported by SIHTM faculty members and students.
With its goal of fostering learning, networking, and collaboration, the 9th ITHSC successfully provided meaningful insights and heightened awareness among tourism and hospitality students and educators. This initiative aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
