Phuket, Thailand–September 3, 2025. The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC), through its College of Management and Tourism, actively participated in the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) ocular visit to Phuket, Thailand, held from September 3–6, 2025. The visit, organized by CSI Philippines, aimed to strengthen international linkages and expand opportunities for Filipino students to engage in overseas internship programs.
Representing UBLC were Dr. Irene De Villa, Dean of the College of Management and Tourism; Mrs. Ma. Carolina R. Martinez, Program Head of BS Tourism Management; Mrs. Mila Dela Cruz, Program Head of Hospitality Management; and Dr. Erwin Lumanglas, Dean of the UBBC College of Business, Accountancy, and Hospitality Management. The delegation visited Kata Group and Coral Properties, where they met with managers and human resource officers to assess facilities, set program expectations, and secure commitments for student training and placement.
Beyond institutional meetings, the UBLC representatives also engaged in cultural immersion activities in Phuket, gaining valuable insights into the local environment where future interns will be placed. This firsthand understanding is expected to enhance UBLC’s curriculum delivery and prepare students for a multicultural learning context.
CHED’s Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) provides Filipino students with practical work experience in international host establishments. The program promotes global competitiveness, applied learning, and skills development in line with national policies ensuring the protection and welfare of Filipino student interns abroad. By partnering with foreign host training establishments, SIAP equips students with the essential competencies to thrive in a globalized workforce.The ocular visit in Phuket underscores UBLC’s commitment to producing future-ready graduates capable of excelling in international industries. With strengthened partnerships and expanded opportunities, UBLC students in tourism and hospitality programs can look forward to substantive international internships that will enrich their academic experience and professional growth.