How do we preserve our cultural heritage while promoting tourism?

The College of Hospitality Management and Tourism (CHMT) of the Laguna State Polytechnic University-San Pablo City Campus (LSPU-SPCC) addressed this concern in the 4th Seven Lakes Tourism and Hospitality Conference held at the San Pablo City Multi-Purpose Convention Center, Dec. 6.

The conference with the theme of “Cultural Heritage in Tourism: Preserving Calabarzon’s Traditions for Future Generations” brought experts in the field to bring awareness on responsible tourism. Competitions were also provided for the hospitality and tourism students of participating higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region to exhibit their talents. 

A culminating activity, the conference was organized by the fourth-year tourism management students (4TM1 to 4TM3) for their events management class under Ms. Zyrra F. Flores and the second-year hospitality management students (2BSHM1 to 2BSHM4) for their catering management class under Mr. Ardee Kris A. Hernandez and Ms. Karen Christine B. Lat.

In his talk, Peter Jaynul V. Uckung, Head of the History, Arts and Culture Division of the Laguna History, Culture and Arts and Trade Office (LTCATO), emphasized the importance of knowing the history of one’s place, especially by the tourism and hospitality students. 

“Bilang ambassadors of tourism,” Mr. Uckung stressed, “dapat alam n’yo ang kasaysayan, [at] ang kultura ng inyong lalawigan.” 

He also went over significant cultural areas in the province and their respective stories which included the first dictionary printed in Pila, Laguna; the image of the Virgin as Expectant Mother of Pangil, Laguna; and longest festival in the country in Pakil, Laguna, among others. 

Meanwhile, Alberto San Agustin Bay Jr., Former Tourism Officer of Quezon, explored the concept of culture from legal and tourism frameworks. He also cited top cultural and tourism sites of the world and the Philippines. 

Also taking part in the event with their words of encouragement and support were Dr. Eden C. Callo, Vice President for Academic Affairs; A/Prof. Joel M. Bawica, Campus Director of LSPU-San Pablo City Campus (LSPU-SPCC); Dr. Ninevetch Grace O. Marco, Associate Dean of CHMT-LSPU-SPCC; Hon. Ramil Hernadez, Governor of Laguna, represented by Mr. Uckung; and Atty. Katherine Agapay, Vice Governor of Laguna.

Some of the HEIs that took part in the conference were Lipa City Colleges, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba, Laguna University, National University-Laguna, Lyceum Technological College, Lyceum de San Pablo, LSPU-Sta. Cruz Campus, LSPU-Siniloan Campus, and LSPU-San Pablo City Campus.

The following are the list of winners in the different contests:

Overall Rank
- Champion: National University-Laguna
- 2nd place: Lipa City Colleges
- 3rd place: Laguna University

Live Tour Guiding
- 1st place: National University-Laguna
- 2nd place: Lyceum San Pablo
- 3rd place: Laguna University

Flight Attendant Showmanship
- 1st place: Lipa City Colleges
- 2nd place: Laguna University
- 3rd place: National University-Laguna

Tourism Promotional Video:
- 1st place: Lipa City Colleges
- 2nd place: National University-Laguna

Digital Poster-making
- 1st place: National University-Laguna
- 2nd place: Lipa City Colleges
- 3rd place: Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba

Michael Jusper M. Fabreag, Events Class Manager 2023, and Ms. Zyrra F. Flores, Event Class Adviser 2023, concluded the event with their closing remarks, thanking the people behind the success of the conference, especially the Local Government of San Pablo City for lending the convention center for the event. 

RMNHS Drum and Lyre Band and the Sarit Kultura Dance Troupe graced the event with their performances.