DOT grants SMU the FBSE Academic Partner Award
On July 21, 2025, the Department of Tourism (DOT) kicked off the FBSE Summit and Recognition Night at the Bellevue Hotel-Manila in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, celebrating the steadfast commitment to excellence in service across the Philippine tourism sector. A major highlight of the event was the Recognition Night, which celebrated outstanding Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) trainers and partner organizations from diverse sectors such as tourism businesses, academic institutions, and local government units (LGUs) across the country.
Saint Mary’s University received the Plaque of Recognition for 𝐅𝐁𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, a recognition given to educational institutions that have effectively incorporated FBSE into their training programs. Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, CGSP, CHP, MSHRM, HTM Department Head, received the award on behalf of SMU President, Dr. John Octavious S. Palina.
Aside from Saint Mary’s University, other institutions from the region were likewise recognized, namely Nueva Vizcaya State University-Bayombong, University of Perpetual Help System-Cauayan, Batanes State College, and Aldersgate College.
The award was presented by Undersecretaries Maria Rica Bueno and Ferdinand Jumapao, Myra Paz Abubakar, who represented DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco.
The pilot implementation of FBSE in 2022 was made possible through Mr. Mark Ian J. Soriano, MSTM, HTM Faculty Member, Mr. Ibarra, and Dr. Ryan N. Sebastian, DOT Chief on Manpower Training Division. Saint Mary’s University-Bayombong, De La Salle College of St. Benilde, and Laguna State Polytechnic University-San Pablo City, Laguna are the three main academic institutions that paved the way for FBSE nationwide.
This strong partnership with DOT Region 2 and the National Office has been an incredible journey of growth and commitment to service excellence.
Written by: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra
