A significant step toward strengthening academic-government collaboration was marked today as the Lyceum of the Philippines University Laguna, through its College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, formalized its partnership with the Municipal Government of Sablayan.

The event was graced by key institutional and local government leaders, including the Dean of the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Ms. Jonna Dotimas; Program Chair for International Tourism Management, Dr. Ryan A. Gamos; ISRO Director, Ms. Jisella Gesmundo; and Hon. Walter “Bong” Marquez, Mayor of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.

The collaboration highlights a shared commitment to advancing sustainable tourism development through the integration of academic expertise and local governance initiatives. Both parties expressed their mutual vision of fostering innovation, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and promoting long-term development anchored in research, education, and community involvement.

This partnership underscores the importance of bridging academe and local government units in shaping responsive and sustainable tourism strategies, while also opening opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and institutional growth. Moving forward, the alliance is expected to serve as a model of cooperation that contributes not only to local development but also to the broader goals of the tourism and hospitality sector.