July 17, 2025 | CNU Balamban and DTI Region 7 Forge Partnership for Upland Tourism and Community Development

The Tourism Management Department of CNU Balamban Campus has begun exploratory discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7 to pursue future collaboration on community development projects and skills training programs.

These talks are part of the ongoing extension initiative, Mt. Manunggal Nature Trek and Tours, which focuses on empowering the community of Brgy. Sunog, Balamban, Cebu through sustainable tourism and enterprise development.

The initial discussion was attended by key representatives from both institutions:

Sheva Marie Alfeche-Flores, Project Leader of Mt. Manunggal Nature Trek and Tours;

Cherry Dumdum, Extension Chair, CNU-Balamban Campus;

Laarne Pontillas, Extension Director;

alongside Lurli Abaño, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist at DTI Region 7, and Jastine Tumampo, DTI Staff.

The partnership seeks to combine the expertise of DTI and the academic community to support inclusive growth, promote local entrepreneurship, and strengthen the tourism value chain in upland communities.

The Tourism Management Department remains committed to building strong linkages with government agencies and stakeholders to create lasting social impact through education, sustainable tourism, and community engagement.

| Sheva Marie A. Flores

| Sheva Marie A. Flores and Dir. Laarne Pontillas