Strengthening industry collaboration and advancing experiential learning, the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department of Saint Mary’s University conducted an academic and industry partners’ visit in Baguio City on April 29, 2026.

Led by Practicum Instructors, Mr. Mark Ian J. Soriano and Miss Rowena Vennessa C. Gayagoy, together with Pre-Intensive OJT Instructor John Rey C. Piñera, the delegation engaged with key hospitality partners and these are John Hay Hotels (known before as The Manor at Camp John Hay, Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay), a 4 star hotel, and Le Monet Hotel, a recognized ASEAN Green Hotel and one of the country’s premier 4 star boutique hotels.

The visit highlighted SMU’s strong collaboration with industry leaders in nurturing future hospitality professionals. Jason A. Fernandez, MBA, Training Manager of the John Hay Hotels, commended SMU interns for their exemplary performance, describing them as “job-ready” and highly commendable. Likewise, Aaliyah Acierda of Le Monet Hotel expressed positive feedback on the students’ professionalism, adaptability, and work ethic.

Beyond performance evaluations, the visit also emphasized student welfare through meaningful conversations between faculty members and student interns, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to academic support and holistic development.

This initiative reflects SMU’s dedication to advancing quality education, promoting decent work opportunities and sustainable economic growth, and strengthening global and industry partnerships aligned with the United Nations’ Tourism Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).