At De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management (BS-IHM) Program has a clear mission: to share the warmth of Filipino hospitality with the world. In collaboration with Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School, it merges global hospitality standards with the heart and soul of Filipino service.
BS-IHM is the first international double-degree program in the country under the new transnational guidelines of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Students earn a Philippine Bachelor’s degree (Degree in BS-IHM) and a French Bachelor’s degree (Manager en Hôtellerie Internationale) which is fully recognized by the European Union.
In an interview, Benilde IHM Program Chairperson Juan Paolo Sumera emphasized that Filipino hospitality is more than just a skill: “it’s a reflection of who Filipinos are.”
“We teach our students not just to serve but to care—to show ‘malasakit’ or genuine concern for others. It’s about making guests feel special, welcome, and valued,” Sumera said.
The program blends classroom learning with real-world experience through courses like Service Excellence and Cross-Cultural Management, focusing on Filipino values and how to incorporate it in international culture. Students gain hands-on training via internships and partnerships with top hotels and restaurants. A key aspect is the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence training from the Department of Tourism, which emphasizes heartfelt service and cultural pride.
Sumera then explained that the training goes beyond technical skills.
“Hospitality is not just about processes and protocols—it’s about making a genuine connection with people. We want our students to understand that every guest interaction is an opportunity to showcase the Filipino brand of service: warm, sincere, and thoughtful,” he added.
Even as the program prepares students for global careers, the IHM program aims to ensure that they carry the Filipino charm wherever they go.
“Our students learn emotional intelligence, leadership, and adaptability—but at the core, it’s about bringing respect, harmony, and bayanihan into their work. They bring the Filipino warmth with them, no matter the country or culture,” continued Sumera.
Students are also encouraged to promote Filipino culture and traditions on the global stage. They participate in heritage tourism projects, international competitions, and exchange programs.
The Marco Polo Program lets students study their junior year in any of over 50 Vatel schools worldwide. They can also join the Silpakorn University International College (SUIC) International Summer Program in Thailand and the Nîmes Summer Exchange in France. These experiences help students learn about global hospitality while sharing their Filipino hospitality and traditions with the world.
“We always remind our students that they are not just representing themselves—they are representing the Philippines. When they prepare a Filipino dish, perform a traditional welcome, or simply engage with guests in a heartfelt way, they are carrying our culture with them,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Benilde’s IHM program is focused on strengthening Filipino hospitality as a global brand. With Vatel’s international network and world-class training, students are well-prepared to excel in top hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and global tourism enterprises.
“We want the world to feel the Filipino warmth. Our graduates are not just skilled professionals—they are ambassadors of Filipino hospitality,” Sumera said.
Through its unique combination of global training and local values, Benilde’s IHM program ensures that wherever its graduates go, the essence of Filipino hospitality—warmth, sincerity, and care—is with them.
Graduates of BS-IHM may pursue a career as a Hotel Manager, Hotel Director, Assistant Manager in any hospitality industry, Property Manager, Sales and Marketing Manager, Food and Beverage Manager or be an Entrepreneur of their choice.