Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) warmly welcomed Tourism Management faculty and students from Sapphire International Aviation Academy on March 6, 2025, as part of their educational tour across Leyte and Samar. Led by their professor, Ms. Caren Mae Buenaventura, and their dean, Mr. Romar Abaigar—who also serves as the President of the Union of Filipino Tourism Educators (UFTE)—the group aimed to gain valuable insights into academic and industry-related developments in the region.
IM Travel Corporation, the official travel and tour agency for the visit, managed the group’s itinerary, which included interactions with NwSSU faculty and students, as well as an exploration of the university’s facilities and programs related to tourism and hospitality.
The program, held at the NwSSU Hotel and Restaurant, began with an opening prayer led by Ms. Maffel Ivy Nacinopa, followed by a welcome message from Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, OIC-Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Jessica C. Alorro, OIC-Dean of the College of Management, and Ms. Florabel C. Canaman, ASBAO Director, also delivered their respective messages.
Ms. Hannah Velvet Gift Suarez, a talented member of the NwSSU Singers, added a musical touch to the event with her rendition of “Reflection.”
Following the performance, Mr. Romar Abaigar expressed his heartfelt gratitude to NwSSU for the warm welcome and the opportunity to engage with its faculty and students. He acknowledged the university’s hospitality and emphasized how the visit provided invaluable learning experiences for their students. He also looked forward to strengthening ties with NwSSU and hoped for more future collaborations.
The visit concluded with a tour of the university’s hotel and restaurant facilities, highlighting the rooftop of the NwSSU Hotel, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the campus and the cityscape.
Through this visit, NwSSU showcased its commitment to academic collaboration and industry engagement, providing future tourism professionals with valuable learning experiences.