The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME) marked World Tourism Day 2025 with a dynamic series of four interconnected events on October 13, 2025, emphasizing peace, cultural heritage, and sustainability within the tourism and hospitality sectors. The activities successfully brought together students and faculty in a collaborative effort to promote environmental awareness, academic excellence, and Filipino traditions.

The celebration kicked off with the SME’s Basura Run 2025, a unique initiative that merged fitness with environmental responsibility. Teams of three students and faculty ran or walked around the BiPSU main campus for 30 minutes, actively collecting and properly segregating trash along their routes. The concept promoted sustainability by making every piece of collected waste a step toward victory. The competition required teams to assign specific roles: Collectors, Carriers, and Sorters. The winning criteria went beyond sheer volume, factoring in teamwork and the accuracy of waste segregation. The 1st Place was claimed by BSHM 3-India (Reden Cator, Leonardo Atok, and James Louie Salloman), followed by BSHM 3-Echo in 2nd Place and BSTM 2-Alpha in 3rd Place. The event was smoothly facilitated by faculty members Mr. Junard S. Carreon and Mr. Den Anthony Llosa, along with the MICE BSTM 3-Echo student group.

In a showcase of academic prowess and industry knowledge, the Tourism and Hospitality Management Department hosted the “Tourism & Peace” Quiz Bee 2025 at the BiPSU Main Campus Basketball Court. The event, preceded by a review session on October 8, challenged BS Tourism Management (TM) and BS Hospitality Management (HM) students on various topics, including tourism, hospitality, and current events. The competition centered on the theme “Tourism & Peace,” highlighting the industry's role in fostering cultural understanding and global unity. After competitive rounds, BSHM 2A emerged as the Champion Team, with BSTM 3B as 1st Runner-up and BSTM 2-Echo as 2nd Runner-up. The event was overseen by faculty members Mrs. Neslyn Kahano and Mr. Fritz Shariff Alavera, with key support from the MICE BSTM 3 Alpha students.

Advocating for responsible tourism, the SME held a Poster Making Contest themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transportation” at BiPSU Hostel A. The competition encouraged students to use their artistic talents to create powerful visual messages about eco-friendly travel choices and their impact on a greener world. Kevin Cean Yusoya (BSTM 3 Charlie) took 1st Place, followed by Kent Bryan Almen (BSHM 2 Bravo) in 2nd Place and Venz Michael Mejarito (BSHM 2 Alpha) in 3rd Place. Judges Ms. Jamaica N. Casas, LPT, and Dr. Rexie Itol Lipon recognized the students’ creativity. Faculty members Ms. Roanne Solayao and Mr. Dennis Gabud guided the event, with organizational support from the MICE students of BSTM 3-Hotel.

To connect the celebration with cultural heritage and community, the SME staged Laro ng Lahi 2025 at the BiPSU Oval. The event brought together second-year BSTM and BSHM students for an afternoon of traditional Filipino games, promoting camaraderie, sportsmanship, and a deeper appreciation for the nation's cultural roots. Team Harmonia Horizon (BSHM 2A & BSTM 2G) was declared the Overall Champion, followed by Team Oblivion Rise in 1st Place and Team Eroy in 2nd Place. The cultural celebration was organized under the guidance of SME resident PE faculty members Dr. Laarni Velez and Ms. Shanelie Delima, with assistance from MICE students BSTM 3F and BSTM 3G and the University Medical and Dental Clinic staff for safety monitoring.

The collective success of these four events underscores BiPSU SME’s commitment to holistic education, preparing students not only as future tourism professionals but as culturally aware and environmentally responsible community leaders.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr.,EdD, CHRP praised the School of Management and Entrepreneurship for the successful, multi-faceted celebration. "These events, from the Basura Run to the Quiz Bee and the Laro ng Lahi, demonstrate that our students are not just learning theory; they are actively embodying the principles of sustainable development and global citizenship," said President Cañezo. "We are committed to Weaving BiPSU with the world and the world with BiPSU, and initiatives like these ensure our graduates are equipped to be agents of positive change in the global tourism industry."

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