In line with its continuing commitment to academic excellence and industry-relevant education, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas (LPU-B) formalized a partnership with the Mama Sita Foundation (MSF) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on December 17, 2025, at the Main Campus. The collaboration is anchored in the advancement of tourism and hospitality education through the integration of cultural heritage, Filipino culinary traditions, and community engagement into the academic framework of LPU-B’s tourism and hospitality programs.
The partnership brings together LPU-B’s strong academic foundation and MSF’s advocacy for preserving and promoting Filipino food culture, local traditions, and sustainable community development. Through this alliance, both institutions aim to enrich student learning experiences by embedding heritage-based knowledge and practical community-oriented initiatives into instruction, research, and extension activities.
Representing MSF during the ceremonial signing were Ms. Victoria Avi Roselle M. Brucelas, Head for Programs and Partnerships, and Mr. Philip Lim, Community Engagement Officer. The Foundation, known for its cultural advocacy and grassroots engagement, has long supported initiatives that empower communities while safeguarding Filipino culinary identity—an approach that aligns closely with LPU-B’s educational thrusts.
LPU-B was represented by Mr. Frederick C. Badillo, Senior Vice President and Vice President for Finance, and Dr. Cecilia C. Pring, Vice President for Academics and Research, who underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in ensuring that academic programs remain responsive to cultural, social, and industry developments. Also present was Dr. Ryan L. Mejia, Dean of the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management (CITHM), whose leadership continues to strengthen the University’s tourism and hospitality programs through industry collaboration and innovation.
The initiative was further supported by Dr. Ma. Fe L. Meñez, Associate Dean of CITHM, and Dr. Kristine M. Manlapaz, Department Chair for Culinary Arts and Kitchen Operations (CAKO) and Hotel and Restaurant Administration (HRA), both of whom emphasized the value of experiential learning rooted in Filipino heritage. Under the agreement, joint activities may include curriculum enrichment, cultural and culinary workshops, community-based projects, faculty and student engagement programs, and collaborative research initiatives focused on food culture, tourism sustainability, and heritage preservation.
Through this partnership, LPU-B reinforces its role as a leading academic institution that bridges theory and practice, fosters cultural appreciation among future tourism and hospitality professionals, and advances the broader goals of sustaining Filipino identity and empowering communities through education.
The collaboration, hence, marks a significant step toward cultivating globally competitive graduates who are deeply grounded in local culture, reflective of LPU-B’s vision of producing professionals with competence, character, and a strong sense of national pride.
