Out of the 33 entries from various universities nationwide, Lloyd Francis M. Diaz, a first year student of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management from Biliran Province State University, secured a spot in the top 15 during the Mx. Turismo 2024 Preliminary Rounds, held online today, November 9. 

The preliminary competition, streamed live on Facebook, featured three categories, which include the Philippine national costume, talent competition, and tourism professional attire. 

Lloyd, the only candidate among the representatives from the Eastern Visayas Region in the Top 15, joins finalists from other higher institutions, including De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Manila), WCC Aeronautical and  Technological College- North Manila, Sorsogon State University,  Immaculate Concepcion College of Arts and Technology, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila, Benguet State University, Far Eastern University, STI College Global City, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Laguna, and Don Honorio Ventura State University. 

Candidate No. 3, Lloyd Francis M. Diaz, wore a Philippine national costume inspired by Biliran’s farmers and indigenous tribes, highlighting the island’s rich culture and farming heritage. Made from materials like abaca and wooden palm leaves, the costume was carefully handcrafted by local artists.

Among the judges during the preliminary competition were Miss Universe Philippines 2000, Nina Ricci Alagao,  John Christopher Mesana, institutional research consultant of the National Commision for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Jerryson Salvador, supervising head of the ABS- CBN Film Production and Star Music. 

Dr. Estelito R. Salut, Diaz’s coach, expressed pride in his student’s achievement, stating, “All for BiPSU, and putting BiPSU and the School of Management and Entrepreneurship on the map as one of the best tourism schools in the country.”

In a statement, Dr. Mafel Piol emphasized,"This is the first time in SME's history that we were able to send participants to join a national competition, and we are truly grateful to Dr. Canezo for allowing us to be part of this prestigious conference."

BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Canezo, Jr. also shared his joy after knowing this accomplishment said, “Lloyd’s success in reaching the finals is a proud moment for BiPSU. It only shows that we have a high caliber of our students particularly in the field of tourism management. We continue to support him and wish him the best as he represents BiPSU on a national stage.”

Diaz will be competing in the Mx. Turismo 2024 Finals and Coronation at University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City, on November 16, to be assisted by the coach, Dr. Salut. The final round will feature a 50% weight on extemporaneous speaking, 20% on casual attire, and 30% based on the performance in the preliminary rounds.

Meanwhile, 24 participants including Diaz, 18 of whom are students, are expected to represent BiPSU in the 9th Youth for Tourism and Hospitality International Conference (Y4TH) on November 16, 2024, with the theme, “Tourism for Peace, Cross-cultural Understanding, and Social Change,” anchored on the 2024 World Tourism Day theme: Tourism and Peace.

However, their participation will depend on the announcement of results of the various inter-school competitions they have participated in, such as the Destination Marketing Competition, Research Infographic Poster Presentation, Travel Brochure-Making Competition, Travel Vlog Competition, Tourism Start-Up Competition, and Mx. Turismo.

The conference is aimed for students to iterate on their knowledge and contribute to the development of tourism as an academic discipline.

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[This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal No. 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions]