The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) celebrated a significant milestone with the ceremonial signing of contracts with its scholarship recipients on May 22.
HRAB president Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony de Leon and HRAB Executive Director Mary Lou Galiste led the event which was also graced by city councilors Jose Molintas and Vladimir Cayabas.
In its second year since reviving the scholarship program post-pandemic, HRAB selected eight outstanding scholars representing each school in Baguio City.
The slot for Saint Louis University however remained vacant due to unforeseen circumstances.
Among the distinguished HRAB scholars present were Dena Joy Abnasan from Baguio School of Business and Techno-logy, Erlea Mica Ma-darang from Baguio Central University, Mhar Chris Martes from Benguet State University, Gracelyn Cuanso from Cordillera Career Development College, Tina Flor Amando from King’s College of the Philippines, Jerlyn Naussa from Philippine Institute of Culinary Arts, Preston Earl Tumapang from University of Baguio, and John Jerome Bodonal from University of the Cordilleras.
HRAB and the scholars’ institutions signed a memorandum of agreement that outlined, among others, HRAB’s commitment to financially assist students pursuing Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism courses, using funds from an annual exposition.
The support includes sponsoring their one-year tuition and miscellaneous expenses, demonstrating HRAB’s unwavering commitment to investing in the future of the industry.
Galiste reminded officers, professors, and students to submit the requirements to maintain good academic standing.
Andrew Pinero of the BCC and HRAB said the scholars are being shaped to be the future leaders of the tourism industry and urged them to value professionalism and dedication.
HRAB had introduced initiatives aimed at benefiting communities and organizations, focusing on enhancing tourism sector inclusivity and sustainability, which includes the Hotel and Restaurant Tourism Weekend which has become an annual tourism event in the city.
The group has been authorized by the City Government of Baguio to occupy Juan Luna Drive from March 25 to April 25 for the holding of an annual food and trade exposition.
Councilor Vladimir Cayabas also shared Republic Act 11261 or the First Time Job Seekers Act, which facilitates local talent employment, where first time exam takers are to be funded by the benefactors as long as they are qualified and considered as an indigent were the benefits that have been discussed during the event.
Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Helen Tibaldo urged the participants to carry on the spirit of collaboration and innovation to elevate the standards of tourism industry and contribute to prosperity not just of Baguio City but also the Cordillera. – Kathrine Ann B. de Guzman, Charmie Gaylle R. Castillo, and Willem Earl G. Urbano
