Ampayag 2026: NWU Advances Hospitality and Tourism Education Through 5th International Conference and Skills Convergence

Northwestern University (NWU) brings together educators, industry professionals, and student delegates from various educational institutions for Ampayag 2026, the 5th International Hospitality and Tourism Research Conference and Skills Convergence, held at the Ilocandia Cultural Center in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, strengthening academic collaboration and industry-oriented learning in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Spearheaded by the University’s College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management (CIHTM), in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and the City Government of Batac, the two-day gathering carries the theme “Across the Southeast Asian Horizons,” emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, professional development, and international perspectives in preparing future industry practitioners.

Now in its fifth edition, Ampayag continues to provide a platform where academic knowledge meets practical application, connecting educational institutions with industry stakeholders while encouraging students to demonstrate competencies essential to their future professions.

During the opening day, NWU President Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas welcomed the conference speakers, delegates, and guests from participating institutions, including those from abroad, as the University opened another edition of the international gathering.

The symposium features Dr. Shantini Thuraiselvam, Senior Lecturer at Taylor’s University in Malaysia; A-Xavier R. Ruiz, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte; Dr. Rumar R. Abaigar, President of the Union of Filipino Tourism Educators; and Marriane Galaraga, Owner and General Manager of MG Travel and Tours.

Their participation brings together perspectives from international higher education, tourism governance, professional organizations, and the private sector, contributing to a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping hospitality and tourism in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Complementing the academic discussions, the Ampayag Skills Convergence puts classroom learning into practice through competitions that test participants’ technical abilities, creativity, professionalism, and readiness for industry expectations.

The ten competition categories include Napkin Folding Showmanship, Bed Make-Up, Cake Decorating, Lobby Centerpiece Design, Waiter’s Race, Flight Attendant Showmanship, Tour Guiding, Tour Package Proposal, Travel Photography, and Quiz Bee.

Participating institutions include Cagayan State University’s Andrews, Aparri, Gonzaga, Sanchez Mira, and Lal-lo campuses; Arellano University; Sapphire International Academy; Batac National High School; IGAMA Colleges Foundation; University of Northern Philippines; and Mariano Marcos State University.

For CIHTM Dean Dr. Nicky Anne Bersalona, competitions such as those featured in Ampayag provide opportunities for students to demonstrate the competencies they have developed while allowing industry stakeholders to recognize potential members of the future workforce.

“The students are able to demonstrate the skills that they learned in the classroom,” Bersalona explained, noting that these activities also offer educational institutions an opportunity to identify their respective strengths and areas for improvement.

She emphasized that bringing together more schools and educators creates opportunities for shared learning, helping institutions better understand how their programs prepare students for the demands of the hospitality and tourism industries.

CIHTM Associate Dean Prof. Glory Domingo likewise highlighted the importance of building lasting relationships among participating institutions, particularly through opportunities for future partnerships.

“We can help each other to strengthen the academic community,” Domingo said, underscoring how collaboration can support the continuing development of hospitality and tourism education.

For the student participants, Ampayag provides an opportunity to demonstrate not only technical competence but also the professional values expected in their chosen fields.

Kaileen Jane Jaromay of IGAMA Colleges Foundation, who participates in the Tour Guiding competition, identified humility, credibility, and a sound understanding of history as essential qualities of an effective tourist guide. She emphasized that being approachable and knowledgeable helps establish meaningful connections with tourists and travelers.

Her perspective reflects an important dimension of hospitality and tourism education, where professional competence extends beyond technical proficiency to include the ability to engage with people, communicate cultural knowledge, and provide meaningful service experiences.

Beyond the symposium and competitions, Ampayag also creates opportunities for visitors to discover Northwestern University’s academic offerings and experience elements of Ilocano culture.

The NWU Marketing Team mounts promotional booths featuring the University’s different colleges and academic programs, introducing visiting students and delegates to educational opportunities at NWU. Meanwhile, cultural and commercial booths showcase locally available products, including traditional inabel textiles, merchandise, and Ilocano delicacies such as empanada.

These exhibits add a local dimension to the international gathering, providing visitors with a glimpse of the province’s cultural identity while highlighting the relationship between hospitality, tourism, and the communities whose traditions and products contribute to the visitor experience.

With five editions establishing its continuity, Ampayag reflects NWU-CIHTM’s sustained commitment to creating meaningful academic and industry engagements beyond the classroom. Its collaboration with local government and participating educational institutions further reinforces the value of partnerships in developing opportunities for learning and professional growth.

More than a venue for academic discussions and competitive events, the gathering demonstrates how educational institutions can collectively contribute to a stronger hospitality and tourism workforce, one equipped with the knowledge, practical competencies, and professional values needed in an increasingly interconnected industry.

Fittingly, Ampayag, an Ilocano word meaning “flight,” embodies the aspirations behind the initiative. As its reach continues to extend across institutions and communities, the gathering represents an opportunity for emerging professionals to broaden their horizons and prepare for careers that connect people, cultures, and industries.

Through Ampayag, Northwestern University continues to build on its commitment to education that prepares students for opportunities beyond the campus, contributing to the development of hospitality and tourism professionals ready to take their place in the wider world.

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