Batanes State College, the University of the Philippines, and the Provincial Government of Batanes recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the establishment of the Batanes Tourism and Hospitality Monitoring Center (BTHMC) aiming to monitor the sustainability of Batanes as a tourism destination and promote sustainable tourism development in the Province.

The MOU was signed by Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, the UP Chancellor, BSC President Dr. Djovi Regala Durante, and Batanes Vice Governor Honorable Ignacio C. Villa. Other notable witnesses to the signing ceremony included UP Vice President for Administration Dr. Augustus Resureccion, BTHMC Project Director Dr. Mary Anne R. Tumanan, and Former College Dean of the UP Asian Institute of Tourism Dr. Edieser D. Dela Santa. Representatives from the Provincial Government of Batanes, different MLGUs, NGAs, and NGOs were also present.

The BTHMC is a significant development for Batanes, as it is the first Province in the Philippines to become a member of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO). The UNWTO INSTO operates in multiple nations across the globe.

The College will play a crucial role in supporting the BTHMC, starting with hosting the training for the BTHMC last January 29-30, 2024, which will help Batanes’ tourism industry achieve sustainability and resilience, leading to long-term benefits for the Province.

UP and PGB expressed gratitude for the collaboration and optimism that it will significantly boost the Province’s tourism sector.

“The underlying rationale is that the partnership will create new job opportunities in the long term. The job opportunities created by the collaboration will provide our students with diverse career growth options,” said BSC President Durante in his message.

The collaborative effort among academia, government, and other stakeholders within the BTHMC is an exemplary model for attaining sustainable development goals while concurrently ensuring the preservation of environmental and cultural heritage.

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