By Dr. Cristina G. Gallato
Dean, School of Business

In partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Hungduan, Ifugao, the School of Public Administration and Governance (SPAG), the Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions Institute (IKAT), and the School of Business-Hospitality and Tourism Department trained 28 women potential hoteliers and restaurateurs of Hungduan, Ifugao from October 29 to 31, 2009. Such activity is the first of a series of trainings and seminars to be conducted by SMU for the people of Hungduan.

The group from SMU was composed of Mr. Ivan D. Baguilat, OIC Dean of SPAG, Dr. Cristina G. Gallato, Dean, School of Business, Mrs. Maura Salonga, HRDC Director and a SPAG faculty member, Mr. Michael Noel Abiva, faculty member, School of Business, trainer and three student-trainers namely: Miss Davie Gamponia, BSHTM 3, Mr. Jay Birco, BSHTM 3, and Miss Delilah Inohiaban, BSHTM 3, and four student-documenters from the School of Public Administration and Governance: Miss Helen Vallejo, Miss Katrina Padua, Miss Jean Maddawat and Miss Josephine Addauan .

The training activities on housekeeping, front office management and food and beverage management were conducted at Hungduan Municipal Lodge. During the opening program, the two deans delivered their message to the participants, gave the background of the training and motivated the participants to be serious about the activities since their active participation would redound to their own benefit. The culminating activity, which coincided with the Cooperative assembly, was held at the Municipal Hall of Hungduan. The participants applied their newly-acquired skills and knowledge on table setting, napkin folding, flower arrangement, etc.

MOA SIGNING ON AUGUST 19, 2009

Hon. Pablo M. Cuyahon Sr., Mayor, Municipality of Hungduan, Ifugao and Rev. Manuel D. Valencia , CICM, president, Saint Mary’s University, formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the conduct of extension activities in Hungduan on August 19, 2009. The highlights of the agreement included the conduct of seminars and trainings related to the hospitality industry.

Hungduan, Ifugao

Hungduan is a 5th class municipality in the province of Ifugao with a total population of 9,601 people in 1,699 households. It has 9 barangays, namely: Abatan , Bangbang , Maggok , Poblacion , Bokiawan , Hapao , Lubo-ong , Nungulunan , Ba-ang. Although it is at least one hour and a half ride away from Banaue, Hungduan is frequented by visitors. Tourist arrivals in 2008 registered more or less 7,000 tourists. The problem however, is on food, accommodation/lodging, and souvenir shops. The tourists go back to Banawe, where hotels, restaurants and shops are found, thus, all the income from tourism goes to Banawe.