August 29, 2025
Partido State UniversityโCollege of Hospitality and Tourism Management (ParSU-CHTM), in proud partnership with the Council of Deans and Educators of Tourism and Hospitality (CODETH), hosted ORAGON 2025: Organizational Regional Assembly for Growth, Opportunities, and Networking in Tourism and Hospitality Education on August 29,2025, at Villa Caceres Hotel, Naga City.
With the theme "Fostering Collaboration, Celebrating Excellence, and Leading the Future of Tourism and Hospitality Education," this regional gathering of educators, practitioners, academic leaders, and industry partners highlights ParSU's commitment to strengthening academic-industry linkages, fostering collaboration, and advancing the quality of tourism and hospitality education not only within the institution but across the Bicol Region.
As a host institution, ParSU affirms its proactive role in pushing boundaries in hospitality and tourism education. In his message, ParSU President Arnel B. Zarcedo, EDEL, underscored the significance of tourism as a pillar of national development, highlighting that the university's partnership with CODETH reflects its recognition that collaboration is the lifeblood of progress. The event also served as a platform for ParSU faculty to engage in academic discourse, build professional linkages, and stay aligned with global trends.ย
In his opening remarks, Mr. Samuel R. Rogando, Jr., MBA, President of CODETH, described ORAGON 2025 as a "convergence" of vision and action. He stressed that no institution can thrive in isolation and that regional institutions can only elevate education standards to meet national and global demands through collective support and cooperation.
A significant highlight of the conference is the series of timely and relevant plenary sessions led by industry experts and leaders. Dr. Lilibeth C. Aragon, Dean of the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management at Lyceum of the Philippines UniversityโManila, discussed "Embracing AI in Tourism and Hospitality Education," emphasizing the potential of artificial intelligence to transform learning and operations in the field. Ms. Ma. Christina G. Aquino, PQA Senior Assessor and CHED panel member, provided a comprehensive discussion on the Philippine Quality Award Framework, encouraging institutions to adopt quality-driven systems and ensure adherence to national standards in their operations.ย
Engr. Janet N. Naag, MDM, CHED's Focal Person for BSHM and BSTM programs, praised ORAGON 2025 as a "powerful platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation," emphasizing that the event aligns with CHED's commitment to inclusive, innovative, and global education, which will equip students with technical competence and the mindset to lead and adapt in an evolving global landscape.ย
Moving forward, Dr. Karen I. Iniego, CHED Education Supervisor II and CODETH Adviser, tackled "Internationalization and Microcredentials," which aligns with CHED's push for globally competitive education. Meanwhile, Dr. Marga Clarence C. Perez-Bolalin of De La SalleโCollege of Saint Benilde shared strategies for enhancing institutional networking capacity, highlighting that partnerships and collective efforts will raise educational standards in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Beyond academic discourse, the assembly also features key organizational activities, including the induction of new CODETH members and the presentation of strategic plans by the Council's leadership.
In his keynote address, Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., CESO III, Director IV of CHED Regional Office V, called attention to the vital role of tourism in the region's economy. He urged educators to ensure their presence is felt in local communities through extension programs and initiatives that preserve tourism sites and cultural heritage, reinforcing tourism's long-term sustainability in Bicol.
For Partido State University, ORAGON 2025 is a reaffirmation of its mission to produce competent professionals, visionary leaders, and stewards of culture and environment. The university's leadership in this regional initiative reflects its continuous drive to provide quality, relevant, and community-anchored education. This is especially timely, as ParSU has recently taken a significant step toward offering Master's programs in Tourism and Hospitality Management that bring graduate education closer to the Bicolano community and align directly with the university's vision of accessible and progressive higher learning.
This convergence is a testament to the strength of institutional partnerships and the shared aspiration of educators and industry leaders to advance tourism and hospitality education in the Bicol region to secure a globally competitive future.
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