Written by Alona Barrozo and John Bernie Lem-ew
Baguio City, March 21, 2026 — Residents of Barangay Pinsao Proper gained direct access to essential travel services as the University of Baguio – School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM), through The Travel Club, spearheaded the Mobile Travel Services Program during the Barangay Assembly Day. The initiative served as a meaningful platform for extending travel-related assistance and knowledge directly to the community.
The outreach was made possible through the collaborative efforts of BSTM-IT faculty members — Ms. Joanna Marie Villavicencio, Ms. Dixie C. Lidawan, Ms. Joan Florague, Ms. Rachel Grace Liclican, Ms. Marivic Mutong, Ms. Roeanne Mylene Yango, Ms. Lauren Kaye Navarro, Mr. Vryx Kervin Bides, and Mr. John Wilson Carillo — alongside The Travel Club officers John Bernie Lem-ew, Erica Ramos, Alona Barrozo, Gabriela Cois, Eliza Lalaine Suyat, and Marian Labora, and The Front Liners Club representatives Naomei Hugo and Josa-Mae Pascua. United by a common goal, they worked to make travel services more accessible, understandable, and welcoming for all.
Community members received free assistance in passport applications, visa consultations, and flight reservations and ticketing. For many, these services are often perceived as complicated, costly, or out of reach. By bringing them directly to the barangay, the program removed barriers such as distance, lack of information, and limited access to professional help.
Beyond immediate assistance, the initiative created a space for knowledge-sharing and empowerment. Residents were educated on step-by-step processes, requirements, and practical tips for international travel, helping build confidence and awareness to independently navigate future opportunities abroad.
This outreach reflects SIHTM’s deeper commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism. By decentralizing services, the program empowered communities and promoted inclusive economic participation. It reinforced the principle that tourism should not only benefit travelers but also uplift local communities by equipping them with tools, knowledge, and opportunities to engage in the global landscape.
The program advanced several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by extending learning beyond the classroom; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by opening pathways for employment and mobility; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through innovative service delivery; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by strengthening local capacity; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering collaboration between the academe and the community.
Faculty presence ensured professional, accurate, and industry-aligned services, while student volunteers gained valuable hands-on experience. Applying classroom knowledge in real-life situations enhanced their customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills, competencies vital in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Ultimately, the Mobile Travel Services Program reflects SIHTM’s mission to produce globally competent professionals who are socially responsible and community-oriented. It demonstrates how education, when combined with service, creates meaningful and lasting impact.
Through initiatives like this, The Travel Club continues to prove that tourism is not just about destinations; it is about people, empowerment, and connection. By bringing travel services closer to the community, they are opening doors to global opportunities while building a stronger foundation for inclusive and sustainable tourism development at the local level.
