Sen. Poe at 7th NYHRPC: Gov’t must provide scholarships to aspiring chefs, hospitality workers

Keynote speaker for the 7th National Young Hoteliers and Restaurateurs Power Conference Senator Grace Poe discussed about the government’s need to provide scholarship assistance for deserving students who aspire to work in the Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) industry at the event held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City on March 1.

Organized by the DLSU-D fourth year HRM students, this year’s theme was “Exploring, and Exceeding Opportunities in the Philippine Hospitality Industry,” which aimed to showcase the trends and issues of local and international hospitality businesses.

“‘Yong ating culinary schools, ang mamamahal ng tuition. Ayoko nang banggitin ang mga ito. Unang dapat gawin [ng gobyerno] ay palakihin ang budget para sa edukasyon and expand the number of scholarship available to deserving students,” Poe mentioned.

 

Speaking in front of 509 second and third year HRM students from various colleges and universities together with 17 representatives from the Viewpark Hotel Tagaytay, Poe said the government may support the hospitality industry by enhancing institutional support for Filipinos who are in the HRM trade.

She added that they should coordinate with the private sector to increase apprenticeships, job trainings, and job placement programs in tourism.

At the end of her talk, the senator reminded the aspiring hospitality workers of the importance of letting people know that staying in the Philippines is still “safe.”

“Hindi kailangan na masyadong engrande ang mga hotel. Ang hinihingi lang namin at ng marami lalo na those traveling on budget ay malinis at ligtas ang mga hotel,” she said.

Other speakers during the conference included associate professor Dr. Cristina Cabral from Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila; premiere workshop facilitator Jopet Pedroso; Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement founding president and Health Eats Manila owner Chef Jam Melchor; TV show host, UNO magazine Editor-in-Chief, and Mercato Central food market co-founder RJ Ledesma; and HRM professional Anngeli Reyes.

The participating schools were DLSU-D, Central Luzon State University, Colegio de Dagupan, ICCT College, St. Scholastica’s College, Treston International College, and the University of La Salette.