DOT-7 pushes industry-academe ties

CEBU, Philippines — Central Visayas is seeking deeper industry-academe ties to strengthen its tourism workforce and capture more spending from international visitors, after Cebu hosted two major ASEAN events this year that raised the region’s profile as a regional destination.

Speaking at the University of San Jose-Recoletos’ (USJ-R) observance of the 59th ASEAN Founding Anniversary recently, DOT7 OIC Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas, referenced the university’s location within Cebu City’s Heritage District, and encouraged students and faculty members to “adopt” visitors they encounter, offer quick walking tours, and share the stories behind the district’s landmarks and traditions.

The Josenian community, following the lead of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), commemorated the regional bloc’s historical milestone in August guided by this year’s Philippine ASEAN Chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.” The celebration included an ASEAN Country and Food Exhibit highlighting the culture, traditions, and culinary practices of the bloc’s 11 member states.

“Tourism is an industry where every handshake, every smile, and every story has a potential to trigger economic activity,” Asis-Dimpas said, noting that even simple interactions with visitors support livelihoods and strengthen communities.

She pushed for stronger industry-academe collaboration, including curriculum enhancement that keeps tourism and hospitality programs aligned with a fast-evolving industry, expanded internship and immersion programs, and continued DOT-accredited training with partner institutions.

She cited DOT7’s Project H.A.R.A.N.A. (Hosting ASEAN with Readiness, Authenticity, Nationalism, and Agility) as an example of this partnership in action, having trained and deployed a pool of staffers, volunteers, and tourism college faculty and students, including from USJ-R, to support arrivals, billeting, reception, and tour operations during this year’s ASEAN engagements in the region.

Central Visayas hosted two major regional events in 2026 — the ASEAN Tourism Forum in January and the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in May — both of which drew delegates, leaders, and guests from across ASEAN and showcased Cebu’s readiness and hospitality.

Asis-Dimpas underscored the region’s growth trajectory as an education tourism destination and the role of tour guides and tourism professionals in DOT’s nationwide “Discover More to Love” campaign as important attributes where Central Visayas may build destination awareness and memorable visitor experiences on.

DOT7, she said, looks forward to sustaining momentum and deepening collaboration to solidify the position of Central Visayas as a leading hub for tourism, culture, and regional cooperation in the ASEAN community.