By Annlinh Alcid
The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas becomes the first academic institution in the world to be recognized with the Gold Certified Guest Service Professional Plaque commonly known in the hospitality workforce as the CGSP.
The awarding ceremony was held in the Rector’s Hall in the main building of the institution last March 24, 2017. The CGSP is an internationally recognized certification granted to hotel properties, hospitality associations and universities that successfully complied with the standards set by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institution (AHLEI).
College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM), which also happens to be the Center of Excellence for the above-mentioned university highlights their objective to be at par with international schools globally hence, pioneering this international recognition.
Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., Ph.D., Rector (UST) mentioned in his acceptance speech that “The university likewise continues to strengthen degree programs in order to facilitate academic mobility for both faculty members and students. This will help develop their competencies by exposing them to best practices in the world.” acknowledging the thorough and sincere efforts of all the college personnel whose assistance made it possible.
The momentous event was graced by the Commercial Attache of the International Trade Administration of the Embassy of the United States of America, Ms. Aliza Totayo; also, Francinne San Juan, and Machi Borja, General Manager and Director of Asia World Hospitality respectively.
