Baguio City, Philippines – A five-day educational tour organized for BS Tourism students by the faculty members of the Department of Tourism Management of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) proved to be a resounding success, combining historical, cultural, and agritourism experiences. The tour, from December 4 to December 8, 2024, was aligned with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 62 Series of 2017, emphasizing the importance of educational and experiential tours to enhance students’ knowledge outside the classroom.
The tour started with a visit to the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila, where participants explored the rich history and cultural landmarks of the Philippines’ capital. Intramuros, once the center of Spanish power, provided the perfect setting for students to learn about the country’s colonial past and its influence on tourism
industry.
A Warm Welcome at Benguet State University
The tour continued to Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet, where the group was warmly welcomed by Dr. Ruth Diego, the head of the BSU- Agribased Technology Business Incubator/ Incubation Center (ATBI/IC). Dr. Diego briefed the students on the importance of agritourism in the region, highlighting
BSU’s role in promoting sustainable agricultural tourism in La Trinidad and neighboring municipalities.
Following the introduction, the group toured the famed strawberry fields of La Trinidad, where they witnessed firsthand how the local farmers integrate tourism into their agricultural practices. The students were able to interact with the farmers and gain insights into the dynamics of agritourism – an increasingly significant sector of
Philippine tourism blends agriculture with leisure and education. Exploring Baguio City: A Blend of Nature and Culture
The final leg of the tour took the group to Baguio City, known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” where they explored several of the city’s most iconic attractions. Burnham Park, with its scenic man-made lake, served as a relaxing stop to appreciate the city’s natural beauty. Session Road, the heart of the city’s commercial district, provided a glimpse into Baguio’s vibrant culture, with its mix of local shops, restaurants, and street vendors.
The Baguio City Market allowed participants to shop for local crafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs while learning about the local economy and the role of the market in tourism.
Wright Park and its famous horseback riding activities offered a unique, interactive experience, highlighting the city’s recreational tourism offerings. At Mines View Park, the group enjoyed panoramic views of the surrounding
mountains and the historic mining town of Itogon, adding to their appreciation of Baguio’s scenic landscapes.
Finally, the tour concluded with a visit to the Old Diplomat Hotel, a historic landmark that gave students a deep dive into Baguio’s colonial architecture and its eerie, storied past.
A Fulfilling Learning Experience
The five-day tour provided CBSUA’s BS Tourism students with invaluable experiences, making the educational tour a perfect blend of academic learning and practical exposure. By visiting both urban and rural destinations, students were able to see firsthand how different aspects of tourism — from cultural heritage to agritourism and eco-tourism — play integral roles in the Philippine tourism landscape.
The tour also allowed the students to build stronger connections with their professors, share knowledge, and gain insights that will serve them in their future careers in the tourism industry. It was a successful collaboration between the university and the communities they visited, creating lasting memories and educational opportunities that will benefit students for years to come.
In compliance with CHED’s guidelines, this educational tour not only enhanced students’ theoretical understanding of tourism but also provided a real-world experience that will help them grow into well-rounded, capable professionals in the field. The BS Tourism students and faculty from CBSUA left the tour with new knowledge, practical insights, and a deeper appreciation for the cultural, historical, and agricultural treasures of the Philippines.
This successful tour underscores the importance of hands-on learning in shaping the future of tourism professionals in the country, fostering a deeper connection between students and the diverse tourism offerings of the Philippines. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘔𝘳. 𝘌𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘰 𝘍. 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳, 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳 -𝘋𝘛𝘔/𝘊𝘌𝘔
