Continuing its steadfast mission to Inspire sustainability, Innovate community-based tourism, and Influence positive growth, the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management of Saint Mary’s University (SMU-HTM) has formally established a historic community partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Hungduan, Ifugao.

Through a formal resolution unanimously enacted by the Sangguniang Bayan, led by the Municipal Vice Mayor, LGU Hungduan officially accepted the initiative—designating the municipality as the 4th recipient community of SMU-HTM’s flagship Adopt-a-Tourist-Site Program. 

World-renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Hapao Rice Terraces and the cultural legacy of the sacred Punnuk River Festival, Hungduan represents a living heritage site of global significance. To safeguard and revitalize these cultural and natural treasures, the SMU counterpart is dynamically led by Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, Ms. Aryan L. Yuzon, and Ms. Rowena Vennessa G. Gayagoy, along with student leaders from the Junior Tourism and Hospitality Management Association of the Philippines (JTHMAP – SMU Chapter) and the dedicated Ecotourism Class, Tourism and Hospitality Marketing Class, and Tour Guiding Class of the HTM Department. 

Together with local stakeholders, SMU-HTM will deliver capacity building, tour guiding workshops, sustainable site planning, CHSF Brigade operations, and Adopt-a-Pupil outreach. This hands-on, community-driven approach empowers Marian students to actively safeguard indigenous heritage and drive sustainable development.

This initiative directly advances key UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through academic-LGU synergy, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by safeguarding the UNESCO Hapao Rice Terraces, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) via sustainable tourism livelihoods, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) through experiential learning and community outreach.

SDG 17, 11,8,4

Written by: Aryan L. Yuzon