ITHM dean joins PARTH Board, strengthening research and innovation

Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) Dean Harold Bueno has been elected to the board of the Philippine Association of Researchers for Tourism and Hospitality (PARTH), marking a significant step in advancing research and academic collaboration within the field.

One of the key initiatives tied to this leadership is the establishment of the Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (MS THM) program, which is currently awaiting formal approval from the Commission on Higher Education.

“This leadership role aligns with our goal of creating a strong foundation for the MS THM program, which we are preparing to offer next school year,” said Bueno. “This is a win-win scenario—providing access to valuable opportunities for both students and faculty. Through PARTH, we can offer relevant trainings and workshops, from research writing to the utilization of research findings, helping to strengthen our academic and professional landscape.”

Joining Bueno in the PARTH board are ITHM faculty members Marichu Liwanag and John Malonzo, further solidifying FEU’s influence in shaping the future of tourism and hospitality research in the Philippines.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to contribute meaningfully to the FEU community and beyond,” said Bueno, also on behalf of Liwanag and Malonzo. “With three elected board members from FEU-ITHM, we hope to leverage our networks to create more research collaborations, industry partnerships, and opportunities for our students. This platform will enable us to produce more relevant tourism research, in partnership with FEU, that can further elevate the quality of education and innovation in our field.”

The election of Dean Bueno and his fellow faculty members to the PARTH board reinforces FEU’s reputation as a leader in tourism and hospitality education. Their contributions are expected to enhance the university’s research capabilities, strengthen industry ties, and drive innovation in the field.