To foster a greater understanding of the value of project planning and management to industry stakeholders, the PhD IHM students from Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite Claro M. Recto Academy of Advanced Studies, led by their professor Dr. Mark Irvin C. Celis, organized an Advanced Professional Learning Program webinar titled “Project Management: Holistic Approach in Hospitality and Tourism Operations” last September 4, 2021. They invited two guest speakers, one of which was Dr. Jan Noel Vero, a senior sales manager and department head at Taal Vista Hotel and a graduate school professor at various educational institutions in Manila and Cavite. With years of expertise in sales, events, and academia, Dr. Vero has earned numerous national and international awards, recognitions, and certificates. Mr. Ian Bencio David was the second speaker. He is a Sales Manager at Conrad Hotel and has worked with many luxury hotel and resort brands in the nation. He was named one of Hilton Worldwide’s five Hilton Rockstars of Hospitality. Mr. David was also an instructor and co-authored a research article that was published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Innovation. Both speakers were awarded the Virtus Awards by the Hotel and Sales Marketing Association in 2019.

Educators and graduate students from a range of institutions participated in the webinar. The event established the Industry-Academy Linkage, which has subsequently extended its function to include serving as a dynamic liaison unit with industry counterparts to explore possibilities for developing creative solutions to technical and industrial issues in support of national growth. LPU-Cavite seeks to enhance this symbiotic relationship in order to develop teachers, students, and professionals of the highest caliber.