CHED RO XI Participates in CHED-DOT-TIEZA Orientation and Convergence Workshop on Tourism Education Priorities
Quezon City- The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI (CHED RO XI), represented by Dr. Leomar Jay R. Oblianda, Education Supervisor II for Hospitality Management and Tourism Management Programs, actively participated in the Orientation on the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2025-0001 and Convergence Workshop on the Identification of National and Regional Priorities for Tourism-Related Programs and Projects. The two-day event, held at Luxent Hotel, brought together key stakeholders from the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and CHED to align strategies in advancing tourism education in the country.
A highlight of the activity was the ceremonial signing of the Implementing Guidelines of the DOT-CHED-TIEZA JAO No. 2025-0001 on the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF), led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid, and CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis. The JAO sets clear guidelines for allocating government funds to tourism-related educational programs and courses, ensuring that investments directly contribute to academic excellence, industry readiness, and sustainable tourism development.
The HEDF is dedicated to providing student financial assistance, scholarships, research support, institutional and faculty development, and program assistance for tourism education. Priority funding areas outlined in the guidelines include the construction or upgrading of facilities and demo laboratories, acquisition of industry-grade equipment, support for industry immersion programs, faculty and student career development, integration of technology and digitalization in tourism programs, establishment of start-up and incubation centers, and research for curriculum and program enhancement. It also supports tourism education initiatives in collaboration with HEIs and the DOT, as well as education tourism programs.
The convergence workshop sessions enabled participants to identify and refine both national and regional tourism education priorities. By aligning CHED, DOT, and TIEZA initiatives, the activity aims to address skills gaps, strengthen institutional capacity, and foster innovative approaches to tourism and hospitality training, thereby ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
Through this collaborative effort, CHED RO XI reaffirms its commitment to raising the standards of tourism and hospitality education, promoting sustainable practices, and contributing to the growth of the tourism sector in the Davao Region and beyond.
