The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) of Pampanga State University (Pampanga State U) earned two distinctions at the inaugural Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on September 11, 2025.
CHTM emerged as Top Finalist - Community-based Tourism Legacy Award for the extension project named "SEEDS of Solidarity Community Project for Rural Bar and Cafe" and 2nd Runner-Up for the Salt of Sustainability Award, both of which recognized the college’s contributions to sustainable and community-based tourism beyond the university.
Organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region 3, the STAR Awards honored outstanding tourism initiatives and organizations in Central Luzon that championed sustainable practices, resilience, and innovation.
The recognitions were conferred during the 3rd Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit, held on September 10–12, 2025, under the theme “Building Green Legacies: Sustaining Nature, Celebrating Culture, and Empowering Industry,” which emphasized the region’s unified efforts toward a greener and more inclusive future.
Representing Pampanga State U during the awarding ceremony were CHTM Dean Kathleen Joyce Coronel, Project Leaders Santa Merle and Jeaneth Serna, and Extension Services Office’s Center Manager for E-Services & Virtual Platforms, Ma. Ferdelyn Coutinho.
“We look forward to strengthening partnerships with local communities, expanding our SEEDS of Solidarity initiatives, and further integrating sustainable practices into our academic programs and extension projects,” Merle said in an interview.
“We at CHTM are immensely grateful for the full support and collaboration of the ESO Director Rhoderick M. Favorito and VP for RITE, Dr. Ranie Canlas, for their full support from the grounding of the SEEDS project up to its successful implementation,” Merle added.
Photo credits: College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
