by Reven Lex Magdaluyo BSTM -3, Kaila M. Adula BSTM-4, John Kenneth C. Castronuevo BSTM4

Last September 28, 2022, Central Philippine University College of Hospitality Management in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Tigbauan Iloilo launched a program, Bangon Turismo: Held at Tigbauan Conference Hall.

The first day of the program focused on Tourism familiarization Training with both lectures and interactive workshops, attended by various resorts, farms and restaurant owners. The program started with the opening remarks delivered by Hon. Atty. Virgilio T. Teruel, the municipal mayor of the municipality of Tigbuan, Iloilo. It was followed by the reading of the rationale delivered by Dean Ma. Medalla P. Baliao, Dean of the CPU College of Hospitality Management.

Professor Ismael Almajar Jr. and Dr. Armando Hisuan, both respected professors from the College of Hospitality Management and experts in their fields, were the speakers at the said event. Professor Almajar discussed about the tourism technology and planning concepts and Dr. Hisuan introduced and talked about gastronomic tourism. This event will educate the Local Government Units of Tigbauan, Iloilo on the importance of tourism planning, the role of food in attracting visitors and the use of technology to foster innovation. The Tigbauan Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office contributed to the success of the event.

The Day 2 of the program was held in the session hall of the municipality. The training focused on the importance of Agri-Tourism, Empowering the Tourism sites of Iloilo and Basic travel Agency operations. The Program started with the opening remarks of Ms. Phoebe Torrico the Municipal Tourism officer of Tigbauan, and a message by Engr. Levi De los Santos, the Community and Outreach Director of Central Philippine University.

The said program was assisted by the Council of Hotel and Restaurant and Tourism Students with their Adviser Prof. Ismael Almajar Jr. The event was hosted by the Assistant Treasurer of CHARTS Mr. Arvin Jan Iballa and together with the officers of CHARTS, VP- Tourism Management Charles Benedict Capayan, VP- Hospitality Management Shaira Monique Chong, Treasurer Mr. John Kenneth Castronuevo and President Reven Lex Magdaluyo.

The First speaker Mrs. Connie Carillo emphasized the importance of Agri-Tourism in the Province and the importance to the young generation especially that Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. The second speaker, Mr. Gilbert G. Marin stressed that every municipality should focus on the strengths of their area in terms of Cultural Tourism, Food tourism and even Aquaculture tourism. The last speaker, Ms. Jane Jaspe emphasized also the importance of Travel Agency operations.

This program is a way in which the CPU College of Hospitality Management could help the community rebuild their tourism sector by sharing the expertise of our college through capacity-building and research, training and skills enhancement.