Lipa City, Batangas – October 10, 2025. The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) once again demonstrated academic and professional excellence as five of its students from the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) and Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) programs were recognized as among the Top Outstanding Tourism and Hospitality Students in the national competition organized by the Junior Tourism and Hospitality Management Association of the Philippines (JTHMAP). The national search and awarding ceremony were held virtually via Zoom on October 10, 2025.
Representing the university in the Top Outstanding Tourism Student category were Dave Ahron C. Roxas and Manuel Jr. U. Delos Reyes, both fourth-year BSTM students who emerged as national awardees. In the Top Outstanding Hospitality Student category, Jeric Botero, Elmira Angela B. Panaligan, and Ladielee B. Magno, all fourth-year BSHM students, were also among the distinguished winners recognized for their exceptional performance, leadership, and service in the field of hospitality and tourism.
Further bringing pride to the university were finalists Sophia Marie U. Vergara, John Lloyd U. Mendoza, and Badeth P. Tibayan, all from the BSTM program, who advanced to the final round of the national search. Their participation showcased UBLC’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive and service-oriented tourism professionals.
The Junior Tourism, Hospitality, and Real Estate Professionals (JTHREP), the official organization representing UBLC in the national arena, was also recognized under the Top Outstanding Organization category. The organization is guided by its dedicated advisers – Ms. Jinky R. Asugui, Mr. Alfie V. Lindo, and Mr. Joshua Ramil D. Katigbak – whose leadership and mentorship have been instrumental in honing the students’ professional and academic excellence.
According to the official announcement from JTHMAP, the national search aimed to honor the top 10 finalists per category, acknowledging outstanding students and organizations across the Philippines who exemplify innovation, service, and professionalism in the tourism and hospitality industry. All finalists are invited to participate in JUANDERCON 2025, a premier Tourism Marketing, Hospitality, and Management Conference to be held on October 23–24, 2025, at Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig City. The official ranking and awarding of winners will take place during the event.
JUANDERCON, founded by industry experts and academic leaders, serves as a national platform that connects education with real-world practices in marketing, hospitality, and tourism management. The conference provides learning opportunities, networking, and exposure to strategies and innovations that shape the country’s tourism industry.
UBLC’s strong showing in the JTHMAP National Search underscores its unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and service – values that continue to guide its students in becoming future leaders of the Philippine tourism and hospitality industry.