By Dr. Marvin C. Castro (as published on Feb. 28, 2006 in Manila Bulletin School, Colleges and University section)

The global hospitality and tourism industry is a fast-paced, exciting and growing industry. It can be considered as a mixture of hotel, restaurant, airline and cruise industries. Created by this booming industry is an increasing demand for graduates of hospitality management courses. Thus, a degree in Hospitality Management is now considered a dynamic and rewarding career choice among Filipino students as vast opportunities await the graduates both in the domestic and foreign markets.

And speaking of hospitality, the Filipinos are highly regarded and by far the most suitable worker for customer service because of our warm spirit, friendly gestures, open-mindedness, and ability to speak English.

Aware of this global trend, The Fisher Valley College (TFVC) considered this as an opportunity to help Filipino students hone their potentials and competencies in order for them to be more competitive. As a result, TFVC offered Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management in June 2001. Determined to stand out as the pioneer educational institution in Taguig City to offer a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, the institution positioned competent faculty members and upgraded its Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) facilities including a mock hotel room, kitchen laboratory, front office, bar room, dining area and function hall. Complying with the prescribed requirements, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued Government Recognition to the BSHRM program in 2004.

Since then, the HRM program of TFVC remains to be the top course having the most number of enrollees. Students can choose to enroll in the TESDA-registered two-year Hotel and Restaurant Management course, ladderized Associate in Hotel and Restaurant Management, or the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management course.

The Hotel and Restaurant Management curriculum prepares students to understand and apply administrative and basic practical skills needed for supervisory and managerial positions in hotels, motels, resorts, inns, restaurants, institutions, and clubs. Course work includes front office management, food preparation, international cuisine, bar and beverage administration, guest services, sanitation, menu writing, quality management, purchasing and other areas critical to the success of hospitality professionals.

Depending the students’ competence and inclination, graduates can pursue a career as hotel manager/staff, restaurant manager/supervisor, marketing and sales personnel, Human Resource manager of a hotel/restaurant, bartender, chef, executive housekeeper, travel agency executive, public relations officer, trainor/resource speaker, events planner, and entrepreneur (catering service, fast food franchise, restaurant, bakery).

At present, the school administrators are extending their efforts to further improve the HRM program by building linkages with the industry such as resorts, hotels, leading restaurants, and even cruise liners that will enable the students to gain the necessary skills and actual on-the-job training experience prior to their employment.