BORACAY– Saint Mary’s University (SMU) continues to pave the way for future industry leaders, recently conducting a high-impact two-day monitoring visit to its partner establishments in Boracay from April 20–21, 2026. Led by Academic Dean Dr. Regina D. Ramel and HTM Department Head Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, the delegation met with prestigious hosts including the 5-star Mövenpick Resort and Spa Boracay, Asya Premier Suites, and premier travel agencies like Viaje Philippines and MBG Travel and Tours. The visit was marked by the formal signing of a new Memorandum of Agreement with Mövenpick and glowing testimonials from industry managers who described SMU interns as “job-ready,” “smart,” and “talented.” Beyond professional evaluations, the visit emphasized student well-being through a heartfelt “kamustahan” dinner and a spirited TikTok dance session, proving that at SMU, the journey to professional excellence is balanced with genuine care and community.

This initiative serves as a localized engine for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically advancing SDG 4: Quality Education by providing students with world-class practical training that transcends the classroom. By cultivating these elite industry ties, the university directly supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, ensuring that graduates are not just degree-holders but highly competitive professionals ready to contribute to the global economy. Furthermore, the collaborative spirit of the mission embodies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating how the synergy between academia and the private sector can elevate the standards of the hospitality and tourism industry for years to come.

#galingSMU #SMUHTMPracticumProgram