SMU Criminology Program delivers perfect licensure exam results

Saint Mary’s University proudly celebrates a 100% passing rate in the February 2025 Criminologist Licensure Examination. All 24 Marian examinees successfully passed, surpassing the national passing rate of 60.52%.

The new Marian criminologists are:

Abubo, Wilfred Jr. W.
Agasid, Rey Steven I.
Asuncion, John Kelvin D.
Dacles, King Angelo L.
Diozon, Neil Bryan F.
Ibarra, Joel Jr. M.
Iglesia, Jhun Mhar H.
Lamug, Joshua R.
Lupog, Joebert B.
Madrid, Lester John
Ramos, Clifford John T.
Santos, Aaron G.
Santos, Fritz L.
Santos, Kenneth Ofrey G.
Villaflores, Bill Austin T.
Bulan, Trisha Rose O.
Ganit, Krizane Jean C.
Macadangdang, Alecz P.
Madam-Ot, Ella B.
Milo, Jenitha Justice T.
Reyes, Rizza Mae D.
Soriano, Divina A.
Torres, Kaith Winslet C.
Villar, Meldan R.

Congratulations to our new Marian criminologists!

Written by: (Nicole Anne Aquino, STEH PL Coordinator)

JTHMAP Cagayan Valley Region wins Community Extension Award

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell. With this vision, JTHMAP Cagayan Valley Region proudly joined the JTHMAP National Mass Induction on February 22, 2025, at the University of Batangas – Lipa Campus.

Representing the region were Miss Nicole Belmil, Regional President, and Miss Almyra Garcia, Student Director of Public Information and Mass Media, who took their oath alongside fellow JTHMAP officers. During the ceremony, JTHMAP Cagayan Valley Region was also honored with the Community Extension Award in recognition of its outstanding contributions to community engagement and sustainable initiatives.

Miss Belmil and Miss Garcia expressed their gratitude and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing collaborative projects and community-driven programs. Their participation in the induction marks a new chapter for the region as it continues to uphold excellence, innovation, and social responsibility in hospitality and tourism education.

Both Miss Belmil and Miss Garcia are 3rd Year BS Tourism Management. Moreover, Miss Nicole Belmil, is the current officer of JTHMAP-SMU Chapter as Vice Governor for External Affairs, while, Miss Almyra Garcia, as the Governor.

Indeed, SMU-HTM is faithful to its mission and is always driven by excellence.

A manifestation of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department’s contribution to the attainment of the UN Tourism’s Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institution and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

Your SMU-HTM family is so proud of your achievement!

Written by: Words by: Nicole Belmil

SMU-HTM holds Filipino Sign language seminar-workshop

Recognizing the importance of inclusive communication in the hospitality and tourism industry, the JTHMAP-SMU Chapter organized a Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Workshop on February 26 and March 1, 2025. The workshop equipped future professionals with essential FSL skills to enhance accessibility and provide better service to the Deaf community.

Dr. Kevin Marf Saquing and Mrs. Jovelyn Ampat led the workshop, which provided hands-on training in Filipino Sign Language (FSL), covering its history, the alphabet, numbers, essential expressions, common phrases, and gestures. The participants developed confidence through interactive exercises, broke communication barriers, and gained a deeper appreciation of the Deaf community’s language and culture.

Reinforcing the idea that “If there’s a will, there’s a way,” the event highlighted the importance of accessibility and cultural awareness. Participants gained valuable skills and a deeper understanding of the Deaf community’s needs, recognizing the role of inclusive communication in enhancing guest experiences.

As the JTHMAP-SMU Chapter continues to uphold its commitment to inclusivity and professional growth, this initiative reflects the 3 I’s of SMU-HTM: Inspire, Innovate, and Influence. By inspiring future hospitality professionals, innovating through inclusive practices, and influencing industry standards, the chapter strengthens its role in shaping a more accessible and welcoming hospitality and tourism industry.

Furthermore, the seminar workshop supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), reinforcing the importance of education and equal opportunities for all. Through initiatives like this, the JTHMAP-SMU Chapter continues to foster a culture of diversity, accessibility, and service excellence in hospitality and tourism.

Written by: Miss Nicole Belmil, JTHMAP SMU Chapter Vice Governor for External Affairs
Reviewed by: Mr. Mark Ian J. Soriano, Faculty Adviser and HTM Tourism Instructor

SMU-HTM marks 100% CGSP Passing Rate

Twenty-three fourth-year BS Hospitality Management and 39 fourth-year BS Tourism Management students at Saint Mary’s University earned international certification designation as Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP), after taking the exam on Feb. 10-13, 2025.

The CGSP is an international examination administered by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), certified by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) through Asia World Hospitality (AWH) in the Philippines.

The global hospitality industry turns to AHLEI for the best training and education for all hospitality segments. For more than 65 years, AHLEI has worked to provide hospitality organizations and schools with quality resources to train, educate, and certify hospitality professionals, first as the educational arm of the AHLA, and since February 2017 as part of the National Restaurant Association’s Training & Certification Division.

This initiative is a manifestation of the HTM Department’s contribution to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Indeed, SMU-HTM is faithful to its mission and is always driven by excellence.

#TakingtheLeadinInternationalRecognition
#MissionandExcellence

Written by: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra (Department Head)

SMU and CIPRED, Nepal, Forge Stronger Ties with MOU to Support Indigenous Peoples' Education and Preservation

March 5, 2025 – Bayombong, Philippines – Saint Mary’s University (SMU) and the Center for Indigenous Peoples Research and Development (CIPRED), Nepal, took a major step toward advancing Indigenous rights and education, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a special signing ceremony at the SMU Boardroom. The partnership aims to promote the preservation, protection, and appreciation of Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, values, and cultural traditions.

The ceremony was attended by key representatives from both institutions Dr. John Tayaban, Vice President for Administration, who represented the University President. Other SMU leaders included Dr. Moises Alexander Asuncion, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Clara Gonzales, Head of Promotions, External Relations, and Internationalization Office, and Dr. Christopher Allen S. Marquez, Director of Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center, who kicked off the event with a heartfelt welcome message.

Also present were Miss Laurice Kaye Laguinday, Indigenous Peoples Studies Coordinator, who highlighted the key elements of the MOU, and Deans Dr. Felipe Nantes (School of Teacher Education and Humanities) and Dr. Joman Baliton (School of Health and Natural Sciences), both of whom lent their support to the collaboration.

Leading the CIPRED delegation was Dr. Pasang Dolma Sherpa, the Executive Director of CIPRED, who expressed her excitement about the partnership. She spoke of the shared vision to support and uplift Indigenous communities through education, cultural exchange, and research.

The primary goal of the MOU is to foster academic and educational cooperation between SMU and CIPRED, facilitating knowledge exchange and creating opportunities for joint research, educational programs, and community engagement. The partnership is specifically focused on the preservation of Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural practices, and languages, ensuring these valuable traditions are protected and passed on to future generations.

Dr. Tayaban, speaking on behalf of SMU, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, calling the MOU a key step in the university’s commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive education. He emphasized how this collaboration aligns with SMU’s broader mission to build stronger connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Dr. Sherpa from CIPRED echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of the MOU for both organizations. She emphasized that this collaboration would open doors for cultural exchange and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous issues. She also noted that working together could play a pivotal role in advancing the global movement for Indigenous rights.

The signing of the MOU marks the beginning of a meaningful partnership between SMU and CIPRED, with both institutions committed to exploring joint research projects, educational programs, and other initiatives that will benefit Indigenous communities.

With this agreement in place, Saint Mary’s University and CIPRED, Nepal, are excited to work together to create lasting positive change for Indigenous Peoples, building a foundation for future educational, cultural, and community-based efforts. This partnership is a significant step forward in empowering Indigenous communities and helping preserve their invaluable cultural heritage for years to come.

Heidee L. Lamoste (CEIPSC Staff)

FICCS 2025 | Biodiversity Conservation Workshop and Stakeholders’ Consultation

The biodiversity conservation workshop and stakeholders’ consultation marked the conclusion of the three-day international conference on cultural studies on February 28, 2025, at the SMU Sacred Heart Center. During the opening remarks, Dr. Sheryl Yap briefly mentioned Indigenous peoples and biodiversity conservation from the lens of orthoptera by emphasizing that the workshop investigates integrating indigenous knowledge and systems to address biodiversity loss. She also provided a few insights about the stakeholders’ consultation.

Dr. Ming Kai Tan, a curator at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, discussed the importance of taxonomy during the workshop by saying that it can be a basis for other research and biodiversity conservation fields. However, as much as there are opportunities, like attempts to improve bioinformatics and orthoptera files, there are challenges, such as specimens that are not readily available. The core idea of the workshop’s first part can be summarized through Ming Kai Tan’s statement, “We can’t protect what we don’t know. We can’t protect what we don’t love. We can’t love what we don’t know”.

The second part of the workshop emphasized the role of indigenous knowledge and science in addressing biodiversity loss. It mentioned that addressing biodiversity loss is a two-way knowledge exchange. There must be an Indigenous presence in scientific literature, such as acknowledging the locals or Indigenous peoples in academic papers and using local languages in scientific names, like naming species after Indigenous groups. Lastly, Dr. Ming Kai Tan reiterated the importance of transforming science into policies and enumerated some Philippine laws that support biodiversity conservation.

A stakeholders’ consultation took place after the workshop. Dr. Yap facilitated the exchange of ideas after she presented possible collaborative research entitled BaNTAY-Kalanguya-Ikalahan: Balanced Nature, Tradition, and Technology Collective Project in Preserving Cultural Heritage and Ecosystems for Kalanguya-Ikalahan Ancestral Domain. During the consultation, the participants emphasized the need to involve the Kalanguya-Indigenous cultural communities as co-researchers.

In his words of gratitude, Dr. Christopher Allen S. Marquez also mentioned possible future directions of the International Conference on Cultural Studies.

Written by: Christopher Allen Marquez(Head, CEIPCS)
Photos by: Paul Jasper Cadiz, TC

Saint Mary's University and Our Lady of Fatima School of Villaverde Strengthen Partnership with New Agreement

A significant milestone was achieved as Saint Mary’s University (SMU) and Our Lady of Fatima School of Villaverde (OLFSV) strengthen their partnership through the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held on March 3, 2025, at the SMU Boardroom, solidifying their commitment in enhancing student services, particularly in providing career development of students.

The event was attended by key persons from both schools, including Rev. Fr. Crispin A. Costales, OLFSV School Director; Mrs. Lily-ann P. Urban, OLFSV School Principal; and Miss Ma. Patricia Luisi D. Calud, OLFSV Guidance Coordinator. Representing SMU were Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, University President; Dr. Alexander Moises T. Asuncion, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. John G. Tayaban, Vice President for Administration; and Mr. Samuel B. Damayon, Dean of Student Affairs and Services, along with SMU’s Guidance Counselors and Staff, led by the head of the Guidance and Testing Office, Dr. Edwin Edilberto N. Mania.

In his address, Dr. John Octavious S. Palina expressed his appreciation for the partnership with OLFSV, emphasizing the shared mission of both institutions. He pointed out that both were founded by visionary missionaries with the noble aim of reaching out to people in remote areas and providing quality education to children in need. This shared history of service to communities sets the foundation for the institutions’ continued collaboration.

Fr. Crispin A. Costales further reinforced this vision, stating, “Sustaining and upholding the mission work provides us with a strong foundation, guiding us toward a true sense of mission and purpose.”

Through the newly signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), OLFSV will benefit from SMU’s extensive expertise in student services, particularly in developing its Guidance Office. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive career development and support in educational settings, ensuring students receive the emotional and psychological care they need to thrive.

With this partnership, both institutions look forward to a future of strengthened student support, fostering a holistic approach to student care that integrates academic success with personal well-being.

The success of the event was made possible with the help of two international BS Psychology interns from Howest University, Belgium—Miss Silke Dewulf and Miss Febe De Decker, who served as masters of ceremony. Additionally, eight BS Psychology interns from SMU generously offered their time and talents to assist throughout the event.

Written by: Meca Jade M. Corpuz, Guidance and Testing Office

FICCS 2025 | Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and Science for Conservation

The second day of the Fourth International Conference on Cultural Studies (FICCS 2025) on February 27, 2025, focused on biodiversity conservation, Indigenous knowledge, and policy frameworks in Southeast Asia. Discussions emphasized the role of cultural heritage in environmental stewardship and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to conservation efforts.

Dr. Arvin Diesmos, in his keynote address, highlighted Southeast Asia’s status as a megadiverse region, home to many endemic species yet threatened by human activities. His presentation covered biogeography, adaptive radiation, and conservation strategies, citing case studies such as the Flat-headed Frog (Barbourula) and the Limestone Karst Frogs and Lizards (Platymantis and Gekko). He stressed the need for science-policy integration and collaborative networks to address biodiversity loss.

Plenary sessions featured notable speakers, including Dr. Pasang Dolma Sherpa, who discussed Indigenous governance in biodiversity protection, citing Nepal’s Shagya Customary Institution as an example of how cultural values contribute to sustainable resource management. Forester Roger Haboc presented on co-management strategies between DENR and LGUs, focusing on forest recovery and conservation challenges, while Forester Asami B. Segundo shared the Kalahan Educational Foundation’s (KEF) conservation initiatives since 1973.

Parallel sessions explored topics such as urban farming, social forestry, and Indigenous knowledge revitalization. Pius Sugeng Prasetyo introduced Buruan SAE, a community-driven urban farming initiative in Bandung rooted in Sundanese culture, promoting food security and economic resilience. Clarice Colting-Pulumbarit examined Indigenous Forest Management (IFM), highlighting traditional silviculture, agroforestry, and livelihood diversification as sustainable approaches to forestry. Rico Casta Jacoba discussed the decline of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) due to modernization, emphasizing its spiritual connection to sustainability. Dilber Yunus presented a case study on the Anishinaabe Nation’s freshwater science approach, advocating for holistic ecosystem management that integrates Indigenous ethical frameworks with modern science.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in cultural and environmental immersion in Imugan, Sta. Fe. Visits to the Japanese Shrine, Mangili Tindaan Historical Nature Park, and Imugan Falls provided firsthand experiences of Ikalahan traditions and community practices. The Kalahan Educational Foundation, Inc. warmly welcomed the group, showcasing their deep-rooted commitment to conservation.

The sessions and immersion activities reinforced the importance of integrating scientific research with Indigenous wisdom. Recognizing the role of Indigenous peoples in conservation and ensuring policy support for their sustainable practices remain essential in achieving long-term environmental stewardship.

Written by: Dr. Sheryl Yap, UPLB
Photos by: Mark Fadulla, CICT
Paul Jasper Cadiz, TC

SMU HTM head and faculty receive awards from ITS Surabaya, Indonesia

Learning is indeed a lifelong journey. It’s a mindset that allows us to grow, adapt, and evolve continuously. Whether through formal education, self-study, or experience, learning helps us stay curious, innovative, and open to new possibilities. As what Peter Drucker says, “We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.”

With this learning principle, Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, Department Head of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Mr. John Rey C. Piñera, Hospitality Instructor, represented Saint Mary’s University in the International Training called Community and Technology (CommTech) Camp Insight 2025: Innovations on February 3-14, 2025. This event was staged by the Global Engagement Office of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia. Mr. Ibarra’s successful participation in the Virtual CommTech Wonderful Indonesia 2024 and being hailed as the Best Participant led him to participate in the camp insight 2025 as 100% Participant Scholar, while Mr. Piñera is a recipient of 50% Participant Scholar in the same event. Their active participations were acknowledged as “Funniest” and “Best Participant” by the committee chair, Dr. Muhammad Wahyu Islami Pratama (Head of ITS Global Engagement), committee members and 26 participants (from 7 Countries). The Funniest Award is given to the most active participant, source of joy and jolliest participant. The Best Participant award is given to the most outstanding participant for their active involvement in the event.

It is a manifestation of the SMU and Hospitality and Tourism contribution to the attainment of the UN Tourism’s Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SGD 17 Partnership for the Goals.

Written by: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra

SMU holds special seminar on ecotourism and farm tourism

On February 27, 2025, the Community Extension and Indigenous People’s Study Center and the School of Accountancy and Business – Hospitality and Tourism Management
Department hosted an insightful seminar featuring Dr. Rogelio T. Andrada II, a Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños – Institute of Renewable Natural
Resources and the College of Forestry and Natural Resources. The seminar offered students a comprehensive look into ecotourism and farm tourism, with a special focus
on the Farm Tourism Act of 2016.

Prof. Andrada’s lecture delved into the core concepts of ecotourism, emphasizing its importance in promoting sustainability. He highlighted the relationship between
ecotourism and environmental preservation, drawing comparisons with other forms of tourism, including mass tourism, alternative tourism, and nature-based tourism.
A key segment of the discussion was dedicated to Republic Act 10816, outlining the strategic action plan for farm tourism in alignment with the Philippine Constitution.
Through this, Prof. Andrada provided attendees with a clearer understanding of how the Act supports the development of farm tourism as a sustainable and economically
viable industry.

The seminar not only deepened the students’ knowledge of ecotourism but also inspired further discussions on the role of responsible tourism in safeguarding the
environment while benefiting local communities.

It is a manifestation of the Hospitality and Tourism contribution to the attainment of the UN
Tourism’s Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Written by: Mr. Mark Ian J. Soriano (Tourism Instructor)