The Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) program of the College of Business, Administration, and Accountancy (CBAA), in collaboration with the Laguna University Community Extension Services Unit (LU-CESU), conducted the second phase of the tour guiding training/seminar titled “Protect and Present: Environmental Ethics in Cave and Waterfall Tourism” on September 29, 2025 at its adopted community in Brgy. Tibatib, Cavinti, Laguna.
“Tour guides are not just storytellers, they are protectors of our natural heritage,” said Ms. Christine Cecille O. Fermin-Raby, BSTM program coordinator, who led the discussions on environmental ethics and sustainable tourism practices. “Their guidance ensures that tourism remains both educational and eco-friendly.”
Participants included accredited tour guides under the CBAA Community Extension Program as well as other residents of Tibatib. The seminar combined lectures with practical demonstrations, including guided explorations of caves and waterfalls facilitated by BSTM students enrolled in the Tour Guiding course and supported by CBAA faculty members.
A highlight of the activity was the site visit to Tibatib’s Tri-Falls: Balon-Balon Falls, Kipot Falls, and Porosa Falls. During the visit, students and faculty assessed the needs of the community in protecting the area while experiencing the local guides’ expertise.
The initiative reflects Laguna University’s continued commitment to empowering partner communities. According to CBAA-BSTM, the extension program will sustain efforts to support Tibatib in developing eco-friendly tourism practices that both protect the environment and uplift livelihoods.
by: Ms. Czarina M. Esmerna
