As part of the UPLB Promoting Agroforest Stewardship & Ecological Observations (PASEO) through Edutourism program, the UPLB PASEO team conducted an educational tourism (edutourism) seminar at the main campus of the Bohol Island State University (BISU) in Tagbilaran, Bohol on April 25.

The seminar was in line with one of UPLB PASEO’s major thrusts, which is to establish partnerships, strengthen capacity, and provide direct assistance related to the field of edutourism for other higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country.

Dr. Rizaleth P. Mepieza, dean of the BISU College of Business and Management, warmly welcomed the UPLB PASEO team and introduced the participants composed of 50 faculty and staff from the different colleges of BISU. 

Dr. Benevieve D. Villanueva, UPLB PASEO project leader and assistant to the vice chancellor for community affairs, introduced the project team members and thanked BISU for participating in the learning event.  

Leading the seminar was UPLB PASEO Program Leader and Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roberto P. Cereno, who shared his expertise in ecotourism and conservation education.

The seminar had two parts: the first one focused on the principles of edutourism, and the second one was on UPLB PASEO.

Cereno highlighted that edutourism plays a vital role in boosting the economic, environmental, cultural, and social growth of the local community. By having visitors engage in an immersive learning experience, they obtain new knowledge, widen their cultural perspectives, and develop a deeper appreciation of conserving and sustaining the environment.   

To conclude his lecture, Cereno quoted renowned forester Baba Dioum, who said, “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.”

In his closing message, Dr. Samuel J. Gulayan, BISU campus director, expressed his gratitude and intent to work closely with UPLB in developing their edutourism program.

BISU is among the many HEIs that UPLB has recently inked a partnership with to broaden academic and collaborative horizons.

Launched in 2023, the UPLB PASEO is one of the core programs headed by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs. Funded by the Commission on Higher Education, the program aims to improve tourism-related products and services, provide high-quality experiences, and empower local communities through economic opportunities and environmental responsibility. (Roi Mojado)