Prof. Joane V. Serrano, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), served as a plenary speaker at the joint 9th Tourism and Hospitality Annual Research Convention (THARC) and the 10th Annual Tourism and Hospitality Student Research Conference (ATHSRC) organized by the Asian Institute of Tourism (AIT), University of the Philippines Diliman. The 3-day conference, held virtually on 09 May 2024 and onsite on 10-11 May 2024, adopted the theme “Integrating Sustainable Development Goals in Tourism and Hospitality Research: Trends, Issues, and Challenges.” Prof. Serrano also holds the position of Program Chair for the Doctor in Sustainability (DSus) Program at FMDS, proving her commitment to advancing education and research in sustainability. Her extensive academic, research, and public service background on sustainability has positioned FMDS as a leading voice in advocating for the transition of UPOU towards a sustainable and resilient campus.
Gaining its popularity in various fields of studies, sustainability has become a controversial topic because it has given different meanings to different people. For instance, the tourism and hospitality industry has made only limited explicit attempts to define sustainability or sustainable development, resulting in little to no research explaining its contribution to meeting the targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. Prof. Serrano, through UPOU’s pioneering research initiative called Sustainability in Action – a Living Laboratory Campus or SiALLC, shares the value of incorporating sustainability initiatives into one’s framework where the perspectives of the academe, industry stakeholders, and policymakers are given equal importance and recognition. Indeed, the relevance of sustainable tourism research in the future trajectory of sustainable tourism is crucial. This is the reason Prof. Serrano also encouraged continuous dialogue and innovation for tourism and hospitality educators, researchers, and practitioners who prioritize environmental stewardship, socio-cultural preservation, and economic viability within the tourism and hospitality sector.
By sharing best practices and showcasing proof-of-concept, UPOU FMDS significantly contributes to addressing SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals. This contribution is crucial for industries and institutions, especially for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Written by: Janelle Ebron• Edited by: Larry N. Cruz
Sustainable Development Goals
FMDS Socials