Saint Mary’s University through the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Department strengthens its commitment to sustainable tourism through its Adopt-a-Tourist Site program, launched in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Batad, Banaue, Ifugao on November 19, 2023.

SMU-HTM and the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Batad signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formalize their collaboration in developing, preserving, and promoting Batad as a model of sustainable and community-based tourism. The signing was witnessed by Hon. Romeo P. Heppog, Barangay Captain of Batad, and John Michael C. Ibarra, HTM Department Head, together with HTM faculty members Mark Ian J. Soriano, Windell Marie M. Colobong, and Jesusa Ana Maria F. Jacalne. Also present were JTHMAP–SMU Chapter officers led by Governor Tristan J. Cabreros, along with student representatives from the Ecotourism, Heritage Tourism, and Tour Guiding classes.

The MOA signing followed a three-day site assessment conducted by the HTM faculty, staff, and students to evaluate Batad’s potential for ecotourism development. Guided by Ibarra and HTM professors, the group immersed themselves in the local community, assessing cultural, environmental, and infrastructural aspects essential to sustainable tourism planning.

SMU-HTM aims to provide technical assistance and tourism education to empower the local community, ensuring that Batad’s natural beauty and cultural heritage are preserved for future generations while supporting the university’s broader mission of community engagement and service-learning.

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