The Association of Human Resources Managers in the Hospitality Industry (AHRM) is considering establishing chapters in Northern Luzon and Bicol after reorganizing Cebu in 2012 and Davao last year, says its incumbent president, Andre Alip.

“[2014] marks the 40th anniversary of the AHRM. From the initial number of four members, it has grown to more than a hundred, spread in three chapters—Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao. We are looking forward to continuous growth with the establishment of new chapters in Northern Luzon and Bicol next year as well as the expansion of our current chapters,” he says.

AHRM began as the Association of Personnel Managers of Philippine Hotels and Restaurant, composed of four members that were the pioneering international chains in the 60s and 70s. As membership expanded with the increasing number of hotels, the association changed its name to AHRM in 1993. Today, there are more than 100 members.

One of AHRM’s aims is to organize industry players outside of Metro Manila. In 1996 and 1999, it launched chapters in Cebu and Davao, respectively. Both chapters were launched again in 2012 (Cebu) and 2013 (Davao).

The 19th Mabuhay Awards saw the first Cebuano recipient on stage. The Mabuhay Awards is AHRM’s annual flagship project that recognizes exceptional employees in the industry.

AHRM today is led by a board of directors composed of Alip (VP for corporate human resources, Manila Ocean Park, Acquatica, and Hotel H2O); Espie Alvez, vice president (HR director, Institute for Solidarity in Asia); Angie Blanco, secretary (dean, Asian School of Hospitality Arts); Judith Imperial, treasurer (HR director, The Cravings Group); Myrna Reyes, public relations officer (HR director, Lyceum of the Philippines University); Arlyn Aliño, auditor (HR manager, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park); and Manny Padilla, director (HR director, Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel, Inc.).

The original version of the article was published in Hospitality News’ November 10, 2014 Issue.