When educators immerse themselves in the industries they teach about, classrooms evolve. Lessons gain depth, lectures become stories from the field, and students feel the pulse of a profession lived, not just studied. This was the spirit behind the recent industry exposure of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) faculty of La Consolacion College Bacolod, as they made their way to the Queen City of the South—Cebu.
But this wasn’t your typical academic outing. The SHTM faculty didn’t just observe—they negotiated, connected, and came home with something far more valuable than brochures or photos: formalized partnerships for faculty immersion with two of Cebu’s premier hospitality players—NUSTAR Resort and Casino and Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan.
“This exposure was about alignment,” said Dr. Christian Angelo B. Ituriaga, Program Head of the BS Hospitality Management program. “We wanted to ensure our faculty remain current with operational standards, service trends, and innovations in the hospitality landscape. These firsthand experiences are essential for delivering relevant, world-class education to our students.”
Real-World Immersion, Signed and Sealed
At the heart of the trip was the signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with both NUSTAR and Crimson. These agreements pave the way for faculty immersions, where SHTM instructors will step into operational roles, observe best practices, and collaborate with industry mentors.
This move speaks volumes about SHTM’s commitment to walk its talk. “If we expect our students to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving industry, then our faculty must grow with it too,” Dr. Ituriaga emphasized.
The trip also served as a proud reunion. At NUSTAR, the team was warmly welcomed by Ms. K Anne Garcia, Rooms Division Manager—and a proud LCCB alumna. At Crimson, they were greeted by two more graduates now thriving in the field: the Front Office Manager and the General Manager’s secretary. These encounters underscored what LCCB has long stood for—educating not just professionals, but leaders in the industry.
A President’s Vision
For Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA, LCCB’s School President, the experience marked another milestone in a long-term vision for quality and industry relevance.
“We believe that education should evolve with the times. Our faculty must not only teach, but also live the industry they serve. These partnerships empower our teachers to bring back to the classroom what can’t be found in books—insight, experience, and credibility.”
Educators, Organizers, Trailblazers
What made this exposure all the more impressive was that the SHTM faculty didn’t just participate—they led. From planning logistics to engaging with hotel executives, they took the reins in organizing both the faculty and student components of the trip. Their active role is a testament to how hospitality isn’t just taught at LCCB—it’s modeled, lived, and constantly refined.