BAGUIO CITY – The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) has introduced eight students with HRM-related courses from different schools in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet, who will be granted scholarships. Along with the presentation of scholars, the memorandum of agreement was also signed.
Among the eight scholars introduced was Dena Joy M. Abnasan from BSBT College, Erlea Mica D. Madarang from Baguio Central University, Mhar Chris Martes from Benguet State University, Gracelyn Cuanso from Cordillera Career Development College, Tina Flor Amando from King’s College of the Philippines, Jerlyn Naussa from Philippine Institute of Culinary Arts, Preston Earl Tumapang from University of Baguio, and John Jerome Bodonal.
This initiative demonstrates HRAB’s deep commitment to supporting the students taking up HRM and Tourism courses and the hospitality and tourism industry, which is really a dream come true for the students.
Preston Earl Tumapang, an upcoming fourth-year culinary student at the University of Baguio, shared his thoughts on the scholarship’s significant impact on him. “This will make a big impact on my academic journey and my family by lessening their burden in terms of academic expenses. This scholarship will help me achieve greater heights and accomplish my goals.” He noted that his tuition and miscellaneous fees for one semester run around 35,000 pesos.
Similarly, Erlea Mica D. Madarang, an upcoming fourth-year Hospitality Management student from Baguio Central University, expressed her excitement. “Being one of the scholars of HRAB or the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio, I feel very excited din. And since it is considered as an advantage for students to be scholars, malaking tulong po talaga ito sa akin lalo na as a graduating student tapos yung financial din.”
“I have mixed emotions kung anong sasabihin ko. Thank you, po, for choosing us. Not just me but us for being scholars of your management. This is totally significant kasi iilan lang po yung napipiling mga students and we are one of them. Maraming salamat po.” Mhar Chris Martes, an upcoming fourth-year hotel and restaurant management student at Benguet State University, also expressed his gratitude.
Moreover, Baguio Country Club General Manager and HRAB President, Mr. Anthony R. De Leon explained the importance of investing in the next generation of professionals. He shared his own experience as a scholarship recipient as well and how the HRAB aims to provide opportunities for aspiring students.
“The student and the school have no obligation sa HRAB. Walang kondisyon na dapat ang grade mo X amount or after your scholarship, you should work with any of the member hotels or restaurants of HRAB for X number of years. Walang ganoon. Here, it’s really just providing the necessary school expenses for the students. We were once students also. So we all know how it feels. I was also a product of a scholarship. That’s why I know how it feels.” De Leon stated.
By providing the students an opportunity to study by granting them scholarships, the HRAB shows that in order to have a brighter future for the tourism sector, they should start preparing the students for the succession plan of the industry. This will not only help hone their skills but also provide them with the security of landing a good and stable job upon graduation.
The scholars were carefully selected from various educational institutions and evaluated based on their academic merit, financial need, and potential to contribute positively to the industry.
According to De Leon, HRAB has allocated over a million pesos for one year, which they must sustain for the scholarship program. The agreement with the schools is that they will nominate students for the scholarships, whether they are freshmen or seniors. The schools provide HRAB with tuition and miscellaneous expenses per semester or for the whole year, and HRAB pays these fees directly to the schools. The amount varies depending on the institution, but the scholarship generally covers the nominated students’ tuition and miscellaneous expenses.
As the tourism sector continuously grows, there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can provide exceptional hospitality services. Thus, these courses enable students to acquire adequate knowledge and skills that equip and qualify them to undertake various tasks ranging from hotel management and tourism, culinary and many other areas.
Furthermore, HRAB plans to expand its scholarship program and continue supporting the education and development of future tourism industry leaders. Through integrating such talents and promoting the spirit of excellence, HRAB plays a crucial role in molding the development of the hospitality and tourism sector in Baguio City and in the Philippines. By Hazel Rose N. Infante
