AsiaWorld Hospitality has partnered with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to provide internationally recognized certifications for hospitality students, in a move seen to strengthen Philippine tourism education and workforce readiness.
The collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding between AsiaWorld Hospitality—the official Philippine representative of the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)—and Benilde’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM).
Under the partnership, AsiaWorld will offer training and credentialing for the Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) certification, described by Benilde Chancellor Benhur Ong as “the gold standard in guest service excellence.” The credential aims to give Benilde graduates a competitive advantage locally and internationally.
The agreement also covers student internships, research projects, and faculty immersion programs, along with workshops in data analytics and industry-focused seminars.
Benilde is AsiaWorld’s first academic partner to integrate micro-credentialing in line with the Commission on Higher Education’s newly issued guidelines for recognizing micro-credentials in higher education.
“Micro-credentialing is a vital tool that helps make higher education more responsive to industry needs,” SHRIM Dean Dr. Marie Paz Castro said, adding that targeted learning paths can complement traditional degrees and support career-long upskilling.
The partnership also led to recognition of Benilde faculty members who completed AHLEI certifications. Among those awarded the CGSP credential were Richard Matthew Abalos, Krystalline Asanion, Giselle De La Cueva, Ferdinand Honesto De Leon, Kevin Ereneta, Stefanie Leuterio, Dr. Teddy Manansala, and several others.
Faculty members who passed the Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) assessment included Castro, Vice Chancellor for Academics Angelo Lacson, Culinary Arts Program chair Chef Margarita Isabel Marty, Hospitality and Luxury Management chair Jerwin Pineda, and senior professional faculty Lorena Valerio and Chef Jester Arellano.
AsiaWorld Hospitality president Andrea Mastellone said the partnership helps reinforce Benilde’s position as one of the country’s top hospitality schools. “We need students who are competent, capable, and prepared for the work life,” he said.
