The Association of Administrators in Hospitality, Hotel and Restaurant Management Educational Institutions (AAHRMEI) successfully held its 19thNational Convention at Dahilayan Forest Park, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on December 1 – 4, 2019 with a theme: The Technology Pulse 2020: Navigate Ways into a Technology Career for Hospitality and Tourism Industry.
December 1, 2019 – The annual event started its 3-day program of activities by visiting the Shrine of Divine Mercy at El Salvador, Cagayan de Oro for guidance and thanksgiving. It was followed by touring the Cagayan de Oro City and met other participants at Pearlmont Hotel in CDO for a group lunch. Afterward, the group proceeded to Amaya Sky View for sightseeing and documentation before heading up to Del Monte Farm and finally proceeding at the Dahilayan Forest Park in Bukidnon.
December 2, 2019 – The 2nd-day convention proper was welcomed by Dr. Celso Felipe Jr., this year’s convention chair followed by the presentation of participants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The 1sthalf of the program was highlighted by the learning and sharing from fellow administrators and educators on the impact of technology on hospitality and tourism education. Speaking at the convention were three resource speakers capping significant issues and trends in the hospitality and tourism education brought by Industry 4.0 disrupting the traditional concept of schooling, teaching and learning and shaping the future of work. First to talk was the University of Baguio’s’ Director for International Linkages, Ms. Mellanie Saro, who talked about “As an academician, can we afford not to go with the Era of technology?” followed by Dr. Ninoy F. Alejandro’s presentation about “Practical tips to navigate ways into technology for tourism and hospitality education”. Lastly, Dr. Marilissa J. Ampuan, represented by the Mariner’s College research director, Ms. Gladys Francis Abad, talked about “How can educators develop students/community volunteerism for Sustainable Tourism Development”. The 2ndhalf of the program featured the sharing from the Founders of Grassroots Travel and director of Asian Ecotourism Network, Mr. Joselito “Boboi” R. Costas when he imparted about the “Challenges of Green Practices and Security to Tourism, Suppliers, and Education to Sustain Hospitality and Tourism Industry”.
December 3, 2019 – 3rdday of the event was highlighted by the keynote speech of Dr. Ronnie V. Amorado, a well-renowned book author on leadership and currently the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs of University of Mindanao. He talked about the “Leadership Challenge towards IR 4.0: Learn/Launch across boundaries”. He further shared “Peripatetic” Practical lessons on leadership. The topic was relevant and suitable in line with the current theme of this annual event. Dr. Adela Jamorabo-Ruiz on her part updates the participants about “Health & Nutrition as Related to Technology in IR 4.0”. And topping the list of speakers was the speech of AAHRMEI President, Dr. Gloria Baken-Siy who talked about “Preparing for Generational Leadership: Meeting Challenges of Education”.
At the same time during the 19thNational Annual Convention, the organization conducted an election for the new board members of AAHRMEI for the period 2020-2022. The annual event will not be memorable without the annual community singing and words of appreciation by AAHRMEI.
December 4, 2019 –AAHRMEI departure from Dahilayan Forest Park.
AAHRMEI remains to be one of the most durable professional organizations for administrators and educators in hospitality and tourism education. Since the 1stmeeting of a group of 22 deans in February 2001, AAHRMEI grew to more than 3500 strong members, individual and institutional combined to date notwithstanding the involvement of several industry partners. The rest is history. Building on the success of the 19thNational Convention which saw more than 200attendees, AAHRMEI will return to Manila to celebrate the 20thNational Annual Convention in 2020 in reliving the power of the past to become the force of the future of hospitality and tourism education in the Philippines.
