CIHTM team qualifies in regional tourism start-up challenge

The College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation joined the Tourism Start-up Challenge 2025 – CHED Region IV-A Regional Vetting at the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office IV-A in Lipa City, where the team presented a tourism innovation centered on Quezon’s lambanog industry and earned recognition as a regional qualifier, Feb. 16.

The College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM) proudly represented Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation at the Tourism Start-up Challenge 2025 – CHED Region IV-A Regional Vetting held at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office IV-A in Lipa City.

Organized in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the Department of Tourism, the competition highlighted student innovation and entrepreneurship in the tourism industry.

During the regional vetting, the CIHTM team presented an innovative concept built around the lambanog industry, one of Quezon’s most recognized local products. The proposal aimed to elevate and modernize the industry while strengthening its tourism value and further promoting Quezon’s cultural identity.

The team was recognized as a regional qualifier, marking another proud achievement for the college and the University.

The regional qualifiers were Eduardo Rowiz Briones, Agatha Mae Sambo, Angela Dela Torre, Julia Marisse Bolado, Souchiro Arce and Ayelah Nañez. They were mentored by John Vincent Ibarreta.

Their recognition reflected the team’s hard work, creativity and commitment to developing ideas that connect local heritage with tourism innovation. Through their concept, the students also demonstrated how community-based products such as lambanog can become catalysts for sustainable tourism development and local pride.

The University community congratulated the team for bringing honor to CIHTM and Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation and expressed support for their continued success in the next stage of the competition.

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This achievement reflected Enverga University’s commitment to excellence, service and transformative learning by encouraging students to develop innovative solutions rooted in local culture and community development. It also supported the University’s vision of becoming a globally competitive institution by preparing learners to lead with creativity, professionalism, and purpose.

SDG 4: Quality Education — The competition provided students with meaningful experiential learning in innovation, entrepreneurship and tourism development.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — The team’s concept promoted tourism-driven enterprise and supported opportunities for local economic activity.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — The proposal highlighted cultural preservation and local identity through the sustainable promotion of Quezon’s lambanog industry.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — The innovation encouraged value-adding approaches to local products and more sustainable tourism-related enterprise.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — The event brought together CHED, TIEZA and DOT in support of student-led innovation and regional development.