GOV.PH
As part of the CHED STEP-UP (Sustainable Tourism Education Program Upgrading Project) grant, the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) faculty successfully completed an international Hong Kong–Macau Hotel Immersion and School Curriculum Encounter held from January 24 to February 3, 2026, strengthening global academic engagement and industry exposure.
The international program was conducted in partnership with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University – School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM), a globally recognized leader in hospitality and tourism education. The initiative aimed to enhance faculty competencies, promote curriculum alignment with international standards, and deepen institutional collaboration in hospitality and tourism education.
A key highlight of the immersion was the faculty’s professional engagement at Hotel ICON, Hong Kong’s first teaching and research hotel. Operated by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hotel ICON functions as a living laboratory where theory and practice seamlessly converge. Faculty participants gained valuable insights into innovative hotel operations, service excellence, sustainability initiatives, and experiential learning approaches that integrate academic instruction with real-world hospitality management.
The program also featured curriculum encounters and academic exchanges with SHTM administrators and faculty, fostering meaningful discussions on global trends in tourism and hospitality, outcomes-based education, industry-driven curriculum design, and best practices in teaching and learning. These exchanges provided participants with enriched pedagogical perspectives and reinforced the importance of international benchmarking in curriculum development.
Participating faculty members included:
BSTM Faculty
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- Brioso, Jessa C.
- De Villa, Rochelle M.
- Lumabe, John Mykelle H.
- Sotero, Maria Luisa O.
- Villar, Lynn C.
BSHM Faculty
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- Bulalacao, Rosalie B.
- Carilo, Maruja C.
- Illo, Norel Peter M.
- Oliveros, Rosanna B.
- Orobia, Mark Anthony L.
- Veras, Gilma P.
The Hong Kong–Macau immersion highlights the institution’s commitment to faculty development, internationalization, and academic excellence, ensuring that BSTM and BSHM programs remain globally competitive and industry-responsive. The knowledge and best practices gained from the program are expected to translate into enriched instruction, enhanced curriculum delivery, and improved learning experiences for students.
This initiative reaffirms the institution’s dedication to building meaningful partnerships with leading global institutions and preparing future tourism and hospitality professionals for success in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic industry.