NARRATIVE REPORT

INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT – EDUCATIONAL TOUR

ILOCOS TOUR (VIGAN – LAOAG – PAGUDPUD)
MAY 6-8, 2023

I. Introduction
The Ilocos Educational Tour is an eye-opening activity for students to
enhance our cultural awareness and sensitivity. This educational tour also aims
to develop our critical thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging us in
hands-on learning opportunities that challenge us to solve real-world problems
and think outside of the box. Moreover, it develops our personality and attitude
by teaching us different social etiquette from Ilocanos.
As an integral component of the academic program, the second-year
students undertaking Hospitality and Tourism Management at Batangas State
University embarked on an educational tour to Ilocos (Vigan, Laoag, and
Pagudpud) from May 6–8, 2023. With over 200 participants, the educational
tour successfully occurred as it was guided by a complete Ilocos itinerary and
engaging tourist guides and bus drivers.

II. Overview of the Educational Tour

The second-year students of hospitality and tourism management were
assembled early so bag checking and attendance could be monitored. Each of
the buses has designated faculty professors, an extra bus driver, and a very
knowledgeable and experienced tour guide. I personally admire our tour guide,
Sir Noriel, who is so enthusiastic about his work and has a keen interest in the
field of tourism.
The itinerary changed instantaneously due to some circumstances, such
as the resort being fully occupied and requiring some time to make up. There
are some challenges; nevertheless, the Ilocos tour is a great way to explore
other Filipino cultures and gain knowledge and experience. We were able to
taste the culinary delights of Ilocanos as we roamed around different
pasalubong centers and were given Ilocano foods in the buffet restaurant.

III. Objectives of the Educational Tour

This activity has the following objectives:

● To develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment and

society by exposing the 2nd Tourism and Hospitality Management
students of Batangas State University to issues related to
sustainable development.

● To foster the social and emotional development of 2nd Tourism and

Hospitality Management students of Batangas State University by
promoting sustainability, and communication.

● To enhance the 2nd Tourism and Hospitality Management students

of Batangas State University's cultural awareness and sensitivity by

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation

 immersing them in new places and exposing them to the diverse
cultures, customs, and lifestyles of Ilocano people.

● To motivate and inspire the students of 2nd Tourism and Hospitality

Management of Batangas State University by allowing them to
explore their interests and passions.

● To develop the awareness of the students of 2nd Tourism and

Hospitality Management of Batangas State University of their
environmental responsibility and prepare them for real-life
application in the field of tourism.

IV. Overview of the Topics Discussed or Activities

Seminar: Ecotourism in Ilocos Norte
by: Richie Canvinta (Ilocos Norte Tourism Officer)

The Ilocos Norte Tourism Officer, Sir Richie, tackles ecotourism, the
heritage dimension, and the diversification of multidimensional tourism, and
digs deeper into the famous attractions of Ilocos Norte, festivals, and facts
about the place. I have learned that the heritage dimension falls into three
categories: past, present, and future. To summarize, the heritage dimension
relating to Ilocos Norte is something that is significant since the place is
historic and requires preservation so next generations will be able to see
the beauty inside of it.
The diversification of portfolios through multidimensional tourism
discusses how tourism has a variety of things to offer, such as nature-based
tourism, film tourism, food and gastronomy, heritage and culture, farm and
agri-tourism, health and wellness, the arts, and more. And it’s wonderful that
Ilocos Norte is one of the places in the Philippines that provides a variety of
multidimensional tourism without putting the environment in danger. Ilocos
Norte has numerous attractions to offer, but the tourism officers of that place
did not fail to promote and sustain ecotourism.

V. New Learning from the Educational Tour (5-6 Sentences)

● What have you learned and experienced throughout the tour?
My learning experience throughout the tour is that it provides
students, including me, with a broader understanding of different cultures
and perspectives. It made me responsible for managing my time and self-
learn as I navigated unfamiliar places. In addition, I learned to interact with
Ilocos local residents, and it’s a fulfilling feeling knowing that they are proud
that other Filipinos are visiting their place.
With the help of our tour guide, Sir Noriel, he developed my practical
and social skills that are essential for my personal growth, as I thought that
I could be a tourist guide someday. Lastly, this educational tour in Ilocos
made me realize that tours out of town cannot be overstated since they
exposed me to a diverse set of learning experiences that greatly contributed
to my future pursuits.

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation

Prepared by:
Dotig, Claudine P.
BSTM 2204

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation

 DOCUMENTATION
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT – EDUCATIONAL TOUR
ILOCOS TOUR (VIGAN – LAOAG – PAGUDPUD)
MAY 6-8, 2023

Day 1: Calle Crisologo in Vigan City Day 1: Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte

Day 2: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Day 2: Malacanang of the North

Day 3: Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort Day 3: Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat

Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation