HTM Faculty Unveil "A Tapestry of Faith": Coffee Table Book Spotlights Villaverde's Beloved Pilgrimage Site
Research Project Transforms into Inspiring Gift for Mangkelleb Hill Stakeholders
VILLAVERDE, NUEVA VIZCAYA — On November 13, 2025, the community of Villaverde received a stunning tribute to its cultural and spiritual heritage: a high-quality coffee table book celebrating Mangkelleb Hill, the revered site of the Our Lady of Victory Pilgrimage.
Faculty researchers from the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) department formally shared their “labor of love” with key stakeholders, marking the successful culmination of a project rooted in academic dedication and community partnership.
A Gift of Heritage and Stewardship
The beautiful volume, titled A Tapestry of Faith: The Stories of Our Lady of Victory Pilgrimage Site, was presented to Fr. Evedi B. Awidan of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and Mrs. Rubyrose U. Barrientos, representing Mayor Atty. Ronelie U. Valtoribio and the local government.
The book is a tangible outcome of a heartfelt research initiative titled “Faithful Stewardship: A Community-Centric Pilgrimage Site Revitalization.”
The project team—led by Dr. Mayvelyn S. Covita, alongside collaborators Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, Mr. Mark Ian J. Soriano, and Rev. Fr. Crispin A. Costales—envisioned the book as a catalyst for local pride, historical preservation, and sustainable community-driven tourism.
“More than just a book, this is a celebration of faith, a call to stewardship, and a testament to what can be achieved when passion, research, and community unite to protect and cherish our shared heritage,” stated Dr. Covita.
Capturing Faith and Community
Through stunning photography and touching narratives, the coffee table book captures the spirit, history, and profound devotion woven into Mangkelleb Hill. It features the stories of the pilgrims, inviting readers to connect deeply with the power of faith and the strength of the Villaverde community’s enduring journey of hope and renewal.
Advancing Global Goals
Beyond local impact, the project directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By preserving cultural heritage and fostering inclusive local tourism.
- SDG 15 (Life on Land): By encouraging the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems through community stewardship of this important natural and spiritual site.
The initiative demonstrates how specialized academic research in tourism and hospitality can translate into practical, powerful tools for cultural preservation and sustainable development.
SDG 11
SDG 15
Written by: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra and Dr. Mayvelyn S. Covita
Photo by: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra
