Extension

RATIONALE OF THE EXTENSION PROGRAM IN THE BS TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Rationale of the Extension Program in the BS Tourism Management

Eradicating extreme poverty is a top human development priority, as explicitly stated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Inspired by the positive outcomes of a series of pro-poor tourism pilot projects, the BS Tourism Program in the College of Tourism, Hospitality, and Transportation Management launched the “Community-Based Tourism for Eliminating Poverty” program in Barangay Bagong Pagasa, Quezon City, which started in 2019 to work hand in hand with local communities to explore untapped economic opportunities. In addition to the initiatives of faculty members, staff, and students, the proponents aim to obtain support from industry organizations, other educational institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and advocacy groups, as there are also an increasing number of tourism associations and investors interested in and involved in the promotion and implementation of pro-poor tourism. It is a tourism concept that advocates for tourism as a tool to fight poverty. It aims at generating net benefits and improving livelihoods. Benefits are not necessarily economic; they might as well be social, cultural, or environmental.

Community-based tourism is a sustainable form of tourism that allows local and foreign visitors to closely connect to communities, where they can engage with residents to experience the actual culture, diversity, local services, and practices. Community-based tourism aims to directly benefit the host residents financially as visitors indulge in the local way of life. Individuals participating in community-based tourism are strong, resilient, and committed to showing visitors their culture. The unique feature of community-based tourism is that residents host and manage the tourism experiences. They can earn income as homestay hosts, entrepreneurs, service and produce providers, and employees. Since community-based tourism is a sensitive segment, it must be developed and operated correctly to ensure actual benefits for the local communities.  It is a promising niche tourism experience with many opportunities as more visitors are curious about local cultures and ways to genuinely interact with the host people.

Assessment of Residents' Percieved Community Resilience and their Willingness to Participate in Community-based Tourism: The Case of Barangay Pag-asa, Quezon City

The coordination with Green Thumb Association for the Extension Program was formally officiated in March 20,2021 with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Prof. Octavio Pagalilawan, Tourism Faculty and Ms. Bernadette Beltran, President of Solo Parent & Women's Group.

The Community can develop engaging and educational urban farming-related tourism products that not only attract tourists but also contribute to the community’s growth and sustainability goals. 

COLLEGE OF TOURISM, HOSPITALITY, AND TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT EXTENSION AGENDA

The College of Tourism, Hospitality, and Transportation Management develops extension programs that are aligned with the PUP VMGO. The College also responds to requests from the community or other stakeholders for extension programs that will benefit their people. The beneficiaries of extension programs are expected to learn new skills and knowledge, and to become empowered to make positive changes in their lives. with the necessary knowledge, attitudes, and skills for sustainability.

CTHTM's extension programs can help beneficiaries learn and become empowered thru the following:

• Provide training and education on specific topics, such as tourism, hospitality, and transportation management.

• Provide opportunities that allow beneficiaries to gain practical experience

• Provide access to resources, such as libraries, computers, and other equipment.

• Connect beneficiaries with mentors and other professionals who can provide guidance and support.

The Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management program focuses on providing the following extension services in line with its mandate and area of expertise, both of which are rooted in the University Agenda.

The following are the Extension Agenda of the College of Tourism, Hospitality, and Transportation Management:

1. To contribute to the capability of communities through participatory approaches in the delivery of extension and services.

2. To provide opportunity for rationalized involvement and sharing of expertise of faculty members and students with the community.

3. To strengthen networking with outside groups and individuals and forge partnerships with them in the delivery of extension services.

4. To facilitate, coordinate and ensure convergence of extension services provided by the different Colleges and Institutes for a more efficient and effective program.

5. To bring the University through its colleges and branches to the community and in the process, widen the perspectives, create positive values and heighten the spirit of nationalism and brotherhood of faculty members and students.

6. Coordinates with the community in determining needed extension programs and services.

7. Undertake the extension projects and activities that will facilitate the transfer and adoption of appropriate technology that could contribute to community development.

8. Harness faculty expertise in performing extension and academic functions through the conduct of needed training programs, provision of consultancy services to the community and actual field of experience.

9. Establish a data bank to facilitate information sharing and dissemination among partners as well as information retrieval needed for project monitoring and evaluation.