From November 27 to December 1, 2024, the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) proudly presented Pagtanaw Echague, Isabela. Spearheaded by Sentro Turismo, UST CTHM鈥檚 research and extension arm, this immersive, week-long event brought together 224 passionate third-year BS Tourism Management students from various sections鈥�3TOM1, 3TOM2, 3TOM3, 3TOM4, 3TOM5, and 3TRL1. It was an unforgettable journey that provided students with a unique opportunity to bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications in tourism management, community engagement, and heritage preservation.
The Pagtanaw program was more than just an academic task; it was an integrated fieldwork and heritage forum designed to engage students in hands-on tourism development projects that benefit the local community of Echague, Isabela. Working in small groups, students collaborated on documenting historical and cultural sites, designing sustainable tourism development plans, and highlighting the unique tourism potential of Echague. These initiatives were grounded in a deep respect for local culture and aimed at enhancing the region鈥檚 tourism offerings while promoting sustainability.
A key feature of the program was the active partnership with the Municipal Government of Echague, Isabela led by Hon. Francis Faustino A. Dy (Mayor), Hon. Faustino 鈥淚nno鈥� A. Dy V (Representative, 6th District of Isabela), and the Municipal Cultural and Tourism Officer, Mr. Louie Simbi. Their involvement was crucial in shaping the program鈥檚 direction and ensuring the alignment of the students’ efforts with the municipality’s development goals. This collaboration allowed the students to gain invaluable insights into community-based tourism planning, while also contributing to the region鈥檚 long-term vision for sustainable growth.
Special leadership was demonstrated by the 3TOM3 section, who, under the guidance of their course facilitators, handled travel arrangements and logistics for the entire fieldwork. As part of their Travel Agency Management Operations course, these students took on the responsibility of coordinating transportation, accommodation, and event planning, showcasing their ability to manage real-world tourism operations. Their professionalism and attention to detail were key to the seamless execution of the fieldwork, elevating the entire experience for all participants.
Through Pagtanaw, the students were not only involved in planning and documenting tourism sites but also played an active role in preserving the cultural heritage of Echague. Their research emphasized the importance of integrating heritage conservation into tourism development plans, ensuring that future visitors can appreciate and respect the area鈥檚 rich cultural legacy while contributing to the community鈥檚 economic growth. This commitment to sustainable tourism reflects the core values of UST CTHM and Sentro Turismo鈥攔esponsible tourism that fosters cultural awareness and benefits local communities.
The Pagtanaw Echague, Isabelawas a powerful testament to the impact of education and community collaboration in shaping the next generation of tourism professionals. Under the leadership of UST Sentro Turismo and with the support of the municipal government, UST students gained critical leadership and organizational skills while making meaningful contributions to the future of Echague鈥檚 tourism sector.
This initiative not only provided practical insights into tourism management but also prepared students to become leaders in sustainable tourism, equipped with the knowledge and passion to promote responsible travel and cultural preservation. As the partnership among UST CTHM, UST Sentro Turismo, and the Municipal Government of Echague continues to grow, Pagtanaw provides a model for future projects that seek to integrate education, community development, and tourism sustainability.
