Baguio Hotel and Restaurant Association Commits PHP1 Million to Support Tourism Students

BAGUIO – The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) announced a PHP1 million scholarship fund to support students pursuing tourism-related courses. The announcement was made by HRAB president Anthony De Leon during a press conference at the Baguio Country Club on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the fund aims to prepare future industry leaders by investing in their education and training. Currently, eight scholarships have been awarded to students at various institutions, including the University of Baguio, University of the Cordillera, Baguio Central University, Baguio School of Business and Technology, Philippine Institute of Culinary Arts in Baguio City, Benguet State University, Cordillera Career Development College, and Kings College of the Philippines in La Trinidad, Benguet.

During the conference, Preston Earl Tumapang, a third-year culinary student at the University of Baguio, shared that his tuition and fees per semester amount to about PHP35,000, highlighting the significant financial relief the scholarship provides to him and his family. Another scholar, Mhar Chris Martes, a third-year hotel and restaurant management student at Benguet State University, expressed gratitude for the scholarship, noting the scarcity of such funding opportunities, particularly from industry professionals.

Jocelyn Ang, dean of Baguio Central University’s College of Hotel and Tourism Management, explained that the selection of HRAB scholars is based on applicants’ financial need, academic performance, and family income.

HRAB spokesperson Andres Pinero added that while the scholarships do not require any repayment or service back to HRAB, they do encourage scholars to excel academically and complete their studies. He emphasized HRAB’s commitment to assisting students who aspire to careers in tourism but lack the financial resources to pursue their education.