ESSU Main Campsus' College of Hospitality Management (CHM) organized a forum on tourism enrichment efforts in the province dubbed "Estehanon Tourism Forum 2024," held at the Teatro Ibabawnon, ESSU Main Campus, on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
The forum was made possible in partnership with the office of Minority Leader of the 19th Congress and 4Ps Partylist Representative, Hon. Marcelino C. Libanan, with representations from the Provincial Tourism Office and the different tourism counterparts from the local government units of Eastern Samar.
A major highlight of the event was the presence of distinguished guests Mr. Mark T. Lapid, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Tourism Infrastructure & Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), who also served as the keynote speaker, and Sen. Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid, the Chairperson of the Senate Tourism Committee.
Provincial Tourism Officer, Mr. Neil Alejandro A. Pinarok, laid out a stirring AVP presentation of the province's current tourism profile, targets, and the surging potential that looks limitless if the right planning and implementation are carried out.
Mr. Mark Lapid expressed his enthusiasm in looking to exploit Eastern Samar's endless potential as the next major tourism destination in the country. He further mentioned that his and Senator Lapid's offices have been in close coordination with Rep. Libanan in formulating the master plan for the said pursuit, making sure that Eastern Samar and the entire Samar Island take on a distinct brand that will indelibly make it known to national and international tourists.
With solid support from ESSU President, Dr. Andres C. Pagatpatan, Jr., the College of Hospitality Management is set to be given an audience with the stakeholders, which include the offices of Mr. Lapid, Hon. Libanan, and the Provincial Tourism Office of Eastern Samar, on the creation of a tourism hub and training center in the University that will equip students and locals alike in building up a strong tourism industry for the entire province.
