The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) has reached another significant milestone in its ongoing quest for academic excellence. Its Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) program has been granted Level 4 accreditation — the highest honor awarded by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), Inc.

“The accreditation of the BS Hospitality Management Program stands as a clear reflection of what collective effort can achieve. It is not simply a recognition; it is proof that the entire CHTM community is dedicated to excellence,” said Dr. Loida R. Banzuelo, Department Head of Hospitality Management. “Faculty, staff, students, alumni and stakeholders all played essential roles in ensuring that our standards are continuously elevated.”

Dean Dr. Maria Rhoda D. Dinaga echoed this commitment, emphasizing that the program’s strength lies in a curriculum shaped by industry relevance and global readiness. “Our degrees provide portable, high-value skills like leadership, crisis management, service design and cultural intelligence — skills needed in every corner of the hospitality and tourism world. We don’t just teach theory. We integrate hands-on training, internships, and industry-led projects that ensure our graduates are job-ready and adaptable.”

The journey toward Level 4 accreditation reflects years of unwavering dedication from past and present leaders of the program. Its foundation was laid at the College of Industrial Technology under Dr. Esteban T. Robiso, where efforts to meet AACCUP standards began through curriculum development, faculty training, and resource enhancement. BSHM later secured Level II and Level III accreditations under the College of Hospitality Management during the stewardship of Dr. Celia E. Cariño. As CHTM’s flagship program, BSHM ultimately attained Level IV accreditation under the leadership of Dean Dinaga, who strengthened the program through Outcome-Based Education, increased research output, expanded international partnerships, and deepened community engagement.

BSHM remains firmly aligned with EARIST’s mission to produce highly skilled professionals who will contribute meaningfully to the hospitality and tourism industry. “Every success story our alumni create — whether managing luxury resorts, serving as certified sommeliers or cruise ship staff, running food and beverage enterprises, operating travel agencies, or thriving in the aviation sector — validates the hard work we all put in,” noted Dean Dinaga.

The accreditation further elevates the program’s standards in instruction, research, extension, and international linkages. “Our goal is not only to meet accreditation standards but to exceed them, ensuring our graduates are globally competitive and highly adaptable to the demands of the future,” added Dr. Banzuelo.

Looking ahead, CHTM aims to expand international mobility for both faculty and students. “I look forward to global mobility opportunities where we can strengthen exchange programs and ensure our graduates develop a genuine global perspective — making them the most culturally agile professionals in the industry,” Dean Dinaga shared.