FEU creates strong linkage with hotel and restaurant industry

MANILA, Philippines - A passion for customer relations, a natural talent in servicing or simply wanting to aid others during their travels; these are but a few of the characteristics Tourism and Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) students have in common. In 2009, HRM undoubtedly gained popularity in Far Eastern University as a population boom was seen in the program. One of its newest campuses, located in Silang, Cavite, has caught on to this trend and made its BS Tourism and BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management courses its flagship programs.

Narzalina Lim, former Tourism secretary and currently FEU consultant, explains, “It is essential for schools to have strong linkages with the various sectors of the tourism industry such as the hotel and resort sectors, airlines, tour and travel agency businesses, restaurants and other food and beverage outlets.” These sectors will support the needs of the students when it comes to practical trainings. It is for this reason that FEU’s campus in Silang partnered with SM Hotels and Convention Corp. (SMHCC) in building the hotel laboratory of the school.

Earlier this year, SMHCC turned over the Silang Suites to its Silang Campus. Elizabeth Sy, president of SMHCC, shares, “SMHCC was created to support my father’s vision of the strong, yet largely unrealized potential of tourism in the Philippines; which has much to offer given the proper facilities and manpower. SMHCC has begun building such facilities.” With the numerous projects that the corporation has started for the tourism industry as a whole, SMHCC will need well-trained, efficient and dedicated people. This is precisely why the corporation strongly supports hotel schools like the Silang campus of FEU. Skills of young Filipinos interested in a career in hotel service and tourism will be honed in a classroom that will simulate a real hotel environment. Sy adds, “We are confident that FEU will provide constant availability of world-class tourism and hospitality industry professionals.”

The partnership with SMHCC will provide visiting guest lecturers from the hotel and resort properties owned by SMHCC such as the SMX Convention Center, as well as Taal Vista Hotel and Pico de Loro.