By Jansryl A. Lamzon, BA ELS-4, Centralian Link Intern

CHM students participate in the seminar on “Ensuring Safety and Rights Protecting Air and Sea Passengers and Tourists in the European Union.”

On February 19, 2025, a timely and insightful lecture seminar entitled “Ensuring Safety and Rights: Protecting Air and Sea Passengers and Tourists in the European Union” took place at the CPU-Educational Media Center (EMC). The seminar was organized to discover the key challenges of the passenger and tourist safety across air and sea travel in the European Union (EU), emphasizing both rights protection and international cooperation.

The event started with a devotional, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU President, warmly welcomed the attendees. In his speech, he highlighted the significance of such discussions, which are vital in today’s interconnected world, where safety and rights are at the major concern of public.

Following Dr. Dagohoy’s welcome message, a video presentation showing a brief yet informative overview of CPU, highlighting its vibrant campus as its commitment to providing quality education and fostering international partnerships. This segment also created an atmosphere of pride and unity among the students, faculty, and guests.

Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice, Acting Director of Local and International Linkages Affiliation Center, then introduced the distinguished speaker, Dr. Massimiliano Piras, a Professor from the University of Cagliari.

Dr. Piras expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitability he had received upon arriving in the Philippines. He then proceeded to his lecture, which covered a range of critical topics concerning air and sea passenger safety, the European Union’s policies on tourism, and the legal protections afforded to travelers.

Dr. Piras’ lecture was both insightful and engaging, offering a detailed information of EU regulations aimed at protecting passengers in both air and sea travel sectors. He also touches on the challenges that arise from the ever-growing volume of tourists, stressing the need for effective regulation to ensure that travelers’ rights are protected in the line with global safety standards.

After the lecture, the floor was opened for a question-and-answer session. Students and professors from the College of Hospitality Management (CHM) actively engaged with Dr. Piras, asking relevant questions about EU policies, legal frameworks, and the global implications of travel safety. Dr. Piras answered each question thoughtfully, sharing his extensive knowledge and fostering a vibrant discussion that further enhanced the understanding of the subject.

The seminar ended with a closing message from Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, who thanked Dr. Piras for offering his time for an enlightening lecture and highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of passengers and tourists on a global scale. Dr. Romarate emphasized CPU’s commitment to providing platforms for students to engage in discussions about international issues that shape the world.

This seminar not only provided valuable insights into the rights and protections afforded to air and sea passengers but also reinforced the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding the well-being of travelers worldwide.