By Asst. Prof. Judah-El A. Bañas, Faculty Member, College of Hospitality Management
CPU College of Hospitality Management’s research presenters, Ms. Mariel O. Gonzales and Mr. Ed Earl Salinas alongside fellow delegates and panel members at the 5th COHREP Regional Congress Research Conference, March 27, Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City.
More than 1,200 participants from across Panay and Guimaras gathered on March 27 at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel for the 5th Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines Regional Congress, themed “COHREP goes B.R.I.G.H.T. for SDGs,” uniting students, educators, and industry practitioners toward developing globally competitive and responsible hospitality professionals.
The congress opened with a keynote from CHED Regional Office 6 Director Dr. Raul F. Muyong, who stressed the growing demand for entrepreneurship in tourism, AI integration in learning and practice, and the importance of soft skills and local industry exposure. Building on this, Iloilo City MICE Center Director Ms. Maria Lea Victoria E. Lara shared how Iloilo City is strategically positioning itself as a MICE destination, leveraging business tourism despite limited beach attractions.
Central to the day’s discussions was the BRIGHT framework, Building Responsible, Innovative, and Globally Competitive Hospitality and Tourism Professionals, introduced by Dr. Lee Majors M. Fajilan of Saint Louis University and international master trainer. He called on institutions to move beyond technical training and embed sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and human-centered service into education. Complementing this, Dr. Nordy D. Siason emphasized that quality outcomes depend on educators’ capacity to develop communicative, ethical, and anticipatory graduates. The congress proper sessions concluded with a beverage appreciation session by Mr. Geronimo G. Ele, Business Development Manager from Emperador Distillers Inc., bridging academic learning with hands-on industry practice.
CPU College of Hospitality Management’s championship culinary team (from left) Mr. Eddie Oranio III, Mr. Andre R. Reyes, and Ms. Mary Margaret S. Herezo proudly display their winning dishes at the Skills Olympics Cook-Off, March 28, Robinsons Place Iloilo.
The afternoon shifted focus to research, with the conference themed “Bridging Scholarly Research and Industry Practice.” Central Philippine University stood out with two accepted papers: Ms. Mariel O. Gonzales (BSHM 4) presented on Emotional Resilience, Leadership Skills, and Industry Readiness, while Mr. Ed Earl Salinas (BSHM 4) explored Sinamak Production and Cultural Heritage in Oton, Iloilo, linking local food traditions to cultural tourism. Earning the highest distinction was Ms. Rechell Rose Nequinto of the University of Antique, whose study on the heritage tourism potential of San Pedro Church Ruins in Hamtic, Antique earned both Best Paper and Best Presenter recognition.
CPU’s strong showing continued the following day, March 28, at the Skills Olympics held in Robinsons Place Iloilo. The university claimed the championship in the Culinary Cook-Off, secured 1st runner-up in the Flight Attendant Dance Competition, and finished 3rd runner-up overall, a well-rounded performance that reflected the college’s commitment to both academic excellence and practical readiness.
Altogether, the congress, research conference, and skills competitions underscored a comprehensive vision for hospitality education – one that integrates knowledge, skill, and values. For CPU’s College of Hospitality Management, the event was a strong affirmation of its role in shaping future-ready professionals in an ever-evolving industry.