SMU Forges Key Partnership with LPU Laguna CIHTM for Academic Excellence

CALAMBA, LAGUNA—The Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) faculty and staff of St. Mary’s University (SMU) successfully concluded a strategic benchmarking visit and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management (CIHTM) at Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Laguna on November 3, 2025.

The collaborative effort marks a significant step toward improving SMU’s program quality through inter-institutional cooperation.

The SMU delegation, comprised of Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, Dr. Mayvelyn S. Covita, Ms. Aryan L. Yuzon, Mr. John Rey C. Piñera, Ms. Rowena Vennessa C. Gayagoy, and Ms. Anna Victoria Celestine R. Belen, was received by the distinguished CIHTM officials of LPU Laguna.

The LPU team included CIHTM Dean Dr. Jonna D. Dotimas, Hospitality Program Chairperson Dr. Joella N. Nolasco, Tourism Chairperson Dr. Ryan A. Gamoso, Director for Center for Research and Development Dr. Merlita C. Medallon, College Secretary Mr. Mhilver Javilinar, and Facilities Manager Ms. Rovee Lyn Cambe.

The main objective of the trip was achieved with the finalization and signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two institutions. The partnership focuses on collaboration for various activities, including trainings for faculty and staff, curriculum development, and other initiatives dedicated to the continuous improvement of SMU’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program. This formal agreement solidifies a mutual commitment to sharing resources and best practices for academic advancement in the hospitality sector.

A vital part of the visit was a Facilities Tour, where the SMU faculty was able to observe the LPU CIHTM’s advanced training kitchens, laboratories, mock hotel rooms, and other specialized educational spaces. This exposure provided crucial insights into maintaining world-class facilities essential for practical, hands-on HTM education.

This institutional benchmarking and MOA signing activity directly supports two key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN. Firstly, it aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, which aims to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” The MOA, specifically targeting improvements in curriculum, facilities, and faculty training, serves as a tangible step toward enhancing the quality and relevance of the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) education provided at SMU, thereby preparing graduates to meet global industry standards. Secondly, it is a perfect example of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which focuses on strengthening cooperation for sustainable development, as the formalized partnership between the two academic institutions, SMU and LPU Laguna, powerfully demonstrates the value of collaborative action to achieve educational excellence that benefits both student-learners and the broader industry.