Tourism and hospitality research is facing an unprecedented number of issues, opportunities and challenges, many of which have global implications. Most especially in the Philippines, which is one of rising nations when it comes to these two giant industries, research is very important in the development of its operations.
That is what brought about the First Research Group for Tourism and Hospitality in the Philippines, the Philippine Association of Researchers for Tourism and Hospitality, Inc. (PARTH) (formerly, the Society of Academic Researchers for Tourism and Hospitality – Philippines, Inc). The PARTH Board is composed of researchers from prestigious HEIs with the goal of fostering research when it comes to the needs of the Academe and the Industry interlinked together, growing and developing at the same time. Benchmarking with international icons on this field like the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA), ASEAN Tourism Research Association (ATRA) and Asia Pacific Council of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Educators (APacCHRIE), PARTH is geared to become a standard in Tourism and Hospitality Research.
The Philippine Association of Researchers for Tourism and Hospitality (PARTH) Inc. is the first tourism and hospitality organization in the Philippines geared towards its advocacy on uplifting and developing the research skills and awareness of its researchers in the field. The organization started off as the Society of Academic Researchers for Tourism and Hospitality – Philippines (SOAR-THP) in 2015 and later on changed its name to PARTH with the clamor of other industry practitioners to also be involved in tourism and hospitality research.
The initial Board of Directors and Officers were composed of 15 individuals advocating research in the tourism and hospitality industry. They served from 2015-2017 with SOAR-THP and in the first two years of the organization 2017-2019. They are as follows:
- Daryl Ace V. Cornell (PUP Manila) – President
- Jojo M. Villamin (San Beda University) – Vice President
- Luzviminda O. Tugade (PUP Manila) – Secretary
- Lilibeth C. Aragon (LPU Manila) – Treasurer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Allan Paul R. Tang (Miriam College)
- Marygrace A. Ac-ac (DLS College of Saint Benilde)
- Maricel D. Herrera (MSEUF Lucena)
- Claire Ann DM. Yao (South Luzon State University)
- Aisha Janinne Q. Escabillas (Our Lady of Fatima University)
- Windion Sarmiento (Hercor College – Roxas City)
- Grant B. Cornell (EARIST Manila)
- Racidon P. Bernarte (PUP Manila)
- Fernando V. Trinidad III (Trinity University of Asia)
- Raymond Chris Maribojoc (Saint Vincent’s College – Dipolog)
- Benigno Glenn R. Ricaforte (DLS College of Saint Benilde)
In 2019, during the 4th Tourism and Hospitality Annual Research Convention, the present set of National Officers and Board of Directors were elected:
- Jojo M. Villamin (San Beda University)- President
- Allan Paul R. Tang (Miriam College)- Vice President
- Maricel D. Herrera (MSEUF Lucena) – Secretary
- Lilibeth C. Aragon (LPU Manila) – Treasurer
- Claire Ann DM. Yao (South Luzon State University) – Asst. Treasurer
- Edgar Allan DC. Mendoza (UP Diliman) – Auditor
- Jame Monren T. Mercado (UST Manila) – PRO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Daryl Ace V. Cornell (PUP Manila)
- Marygrace A. Ac-ac (DLS College of Saint Benilde)
- Luzviminda O. Tugade (PUP Manila)
- Reil G. Cruz (UP Diliman)
- Harold B. Bueno (FEU Manila)
- Jeffrey T. Banal (Holy Angel University)
- Fernando V. Trinidad III (Trinity University of Asia)
- Raymond Chris Maribojoc (Saint Vincent’s College – Dipolog)
In 2021, during the 6th Tourism and Hospitality Annual Research Convention, the present set of National Officers and Board of Directors were elected:
- Allan Paul R. Tang (Miriam College)- Vice President
- Maricel D. Herrera (MSEUF Lucena) – Secretary
- Lilibeth C. Aragon (LPU Manila) – Treasurer
- Claire Ann DM. Yao (South Luzon State University) – Asst. Treasurer
- Edgar Allan DC. Mendoza (UP Diliman) – Auditor
- Jame Monren T. Mercado (UST Manila) – PRO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Daryl Ace V. Cornell (PUP Manila)
- Marygrace A. Ac-ac (DLS College of Saint Benilde)
- Luzviminda O. Tugade (PUP Manila)
- Reil G. Cruz (UP Diliman)
- Harold B. Bueno (FEU Manila)
- Jeffrey T. Banal (Holy Angel University)
- Fernando V. Trinidad III (Trinity University of Asia)
- Raymond Chris Maribojoc (Saint Vincent’s College – Dipolog)