In celebration of World Tourism Day 2025, last October 13, the Biliran Province State University – School of Management and Entrepreneurship hosted a plenary talk centered around the theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The event, which was attended by students, faculty, and university officials, featured Mr. Dionisio B. Oliva, the Provincial Tourism Officer of Biliran Province. He shared valuable insights on the state of tourism in the province, the ongoing sustainable development initiatives, and the challenges that lie ahead.

Mr. Oliva began by acknowledging the significant progress made in Biliran’s tourism sector. While celebrating these achievements, he also emphasized that the journey toward sustainable tourism is far from complete. “We have come a long way, but there’s still a long way to go compared to other places,” he noted.

He went on to provide a detailed overview of the tourism programs of the Provincial Government of Biliran under Governor Roger Espina’s Serbisyong Biliranon, pushed by the Provincial Tourism Office, highlighting the importance of ensuring that tourism growth is not only focused on attracting visitors but also on environmentally responsible and culturally sustainable practices. These initiatives aim to create lasting benefits for the local communities while maintaining the integrity of Biliran’s natural and cultural resources.

A key message from Mr. Oliva was the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly between the academe and the provincial government. He urged that research outputs from students and faculty at BiPSU be shared with the local chief executive and the Governor for possible implementation. According to Mr. Oliva, these research studies provide vital insights that can significantly influence and improve tourism development in Biliran.

Furthermore, Mr. Oliva emphasized that BiPSU plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism in the province. By partnering with the Provincial Tourism Office, the university has the potential to contribute valuable research, ideas, and innovations that can directly support Biliran’s sustainable tourism goals.

The event was also attended by Dr. Victor C. Canezo, Jr., the BiPSU President, who delivered a key message reinforcing the university’s dedication to sustainability and tourism development. In his opening remarks, he spoke about the upcoming new building that will soon house the School of Management and Entrepreneurship, underscoring the university’s commitment to providing improved facilities for students and faculty.

In an exciting development, Dr. Canezo also shared plans for an upcoming international conference organized by BiPSU and the Faculty of Management and Entrepreneurship. The conference will focus on the role of tourism and hospitality in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university president proposed the creation of a technical working group to help bring this vision to life. This group will be tasked with addressing key issues related to tourism, sustainability, and local development through Research, Innovation, and Extension Services.

Following Mr. Oliva’s informative presentation, the event opened for an open forum, where students and faculty were given the opportunity to engage with the speaker. Mr. Oliva responded to all inquiries with humility and realistic insights, drawing from his extensive experience in the tourism industry. His responses sparked deeper conversations about how everyone can contribute to the growth of sustainable tourism in Biliran.

The World Tourism Day 2025 event served as both a celebration of tourism and a call to action. As BiPSU continues to align its efforts with the global movement toward sustainability, the university encourages students and faculty to integrate sustainable practices into their daily lives and professional work.

“As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2025, let us take a moment to reflect on this year’s theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’ Tourism has the potential to bring about positive change, not only economically but also socially and environmentally. At BiPSU, we uphold values of sustainability, innovation, and community—principles that align with tourism’s transformative power. We encourage everyone to integrate these values into their daily lives and contribute to creating a more sustainable and inclusive future. Together, we can celebrate and work toward a better tomorrow,” said Dr. Victor C. Canezo, Jr.

The plenary talk by Mr. Oliva, followed by the open forum discussions, sparked a renewed commitment to sustainability among the students and faculty. The event made it clear that sustainable transformation in tourism is possible, but it requires collective effort, collaboration, and continuous innovation. With the support of BiPSU and the Provincial Tourism Office, Biliran is poised to become a model for sustainable tourism that benefits both its communities and the environment for generations to come.