By Mikee Natinga Norico
College of Hospitality Management students, faculty, and staff pose for a group photo after the SIAP Debriefing and Reflection Gathering held at the Educational Media Center Conference Room.
In a heartfelt celebration of growth, resilience, and global achievement, the College of Hospitality Management (CHM) of Central Philippine University (CPU) held its “Bringing Experience to Excellence: CHM SIAP Debriefing and Reflection Gathering” on June 26, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Educational Media Center Conference Room.
The culminating event honored the 42 graduating 4th-year CHM students who completed their international internships through the Special Internship Abroad Program (SIAP). Among them, 40 students were deployed in various partner institutions in Thailand for six months, while two students completed a year-long internship in Japan.
The gathering served as both a formal debrief and an emotional reflection space, allowing student interns to recount their transformative experiences abroad. With the theme focusing on global readiness, cultural competence, and academic excellence, the event emphasized how CHM’s SIAP initiative strengthens CPU’s mission of producing world-class professionals and contributes to its continued rise in the QS University Rankings.
The program opened with a solemn prayer led by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications, setting the tone for an afternoon of meaningful reflection and gratitude. This was followed by welcome remarks from Prof. Ma. Medalla P. Baliao, CHM Dean, who expressed heartfelt pride in the interns’ accomplishments. She emphasized that the success of the program proves the readiness of CHM students for international standards, and that this kind of exposure is key to producing future leaders in the hospitality industry. Her message was filled with pride, gratitude, and encouragement.
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered an inspiring message, highlighting the alignment of SIAP with the university’s vision of global academic competitiveness. He praised the students for their courage and adaptability and reminded them that their journey abroad was not just about skill-building, but also about carrying CPU’s values with them.
One of the program’s key highlights was the keynote address of Prof. Efren Sucaldito from CHED Regional Office II, who commended CPU for its innovative approach to international academic partnerships. He encouraged the students to use their experiences to uplift the hospitality sector in the Philippines and to continue striving for service and excellence.
The voices of the student interns took center stage as they shared powerful testimonies of their SIAP experiences. From adjusting to new cultures and overcoming language barriers to building professional confidence, their stories captured the essence of personal and academic transformation. Notable reflections were shared by Arriane Santuyo and Franceska Calma (Japan), and by interns from top hospitality establishments in Thailand including The Slate, Rayavadee, and Pimalai.
In her response on behalf of the SIAP finishers, Ms. Cherry Ann Escala, BSHM, reflected, “This journey was not just about internship—it was about growing into more confident, compassionate, and globally ready individuals. We returned not just with skills, but with a deeper purpose to serve and lead.”
Prof. Ismael Almajar Jr., CHM SIAP Coordinator and event organizer, closed the gathering with a heartfelt message encouraging students to carry their global experiences into their future careers. “You are not just graduates—you are global professionals who will make a difference in the industry and in society.”
The event was also graced by CHED and CPU officials, faculty members, and family representatives, making it an intimate yet impactful occasion.
For many of the student-interns, the most meaningful part of the debriefing was realizing that their efforts contributed to the university’s rising global reputation. “It proved that we are not just students—we are changemakers helping elevate CPU on the global stage,” shared Ms. Escala.
Echoing the sentiment, BSTM student Angel Macauyam noted, “Hearing stories of overcoming fear and culture shock reminded me how far we’ve come. This journey made us more competitive and ready for the real-world demands of the hospitality industry.”
With initiatives like SIAP, the College of Hospitality Management continues to raise the bar in international academic engagement—one transformative internship at a time.