During Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 in Bacolod City, the University’s College of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) managed the Foodways and Education Tent, which welcomed over 7,000 local, national, and international visitors.
Organized by the Slow Food International and Slow Food Negros, the event marked the first time the Terra Madre network convened in the Asia-Pacific region, drawing attention to Negros Occidental’s role in sustainable gastronomy and food biodiversity.
Under the supervision of CTH faculty members and Slow Food Community Negros advocates Ms. Azela Hormillosa, Chef Jairus Cambelisa, Ms. Shiela Javier, and Dr. Christine Montenegro, students from the CTH Council, and academic clubs, Lasallian Society of Hospitality Managers, and Alliance of Tourism Lasallians, served as cultural performers, event hosts, tour guides, assistant chefs, pavilion guides, and logistics coordinators.
Student volunteers assisted presenters, facilitated visitor flow, coordinated scheduled activities, and supported foodways exhibitions and tastings, contributing to the smooth execution of pavilion programs.
The College of Tourism and Hospitality Dean, Dr. John Michael Montelibano acknowledged the students’ contributions, stating, “Our volunteers demonstrated strong professionalism throughout the event. Their participation in Terra Madre provided valuable hands-on experience in large-scale event operations”.
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Slow Food Negros leadership also recognized the University’s strong partnership and active engagement.
Slow Food Councilor Ramon Uy and Director Reena Gamboa commended the volunteers’ consistency and reliability, noting that their involvement strengthened the delivery of the event’s educational and cultural components.
USLS–CTH’s participation in Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 underscores its active engagement in industry-linked events and collaborative initiatives related to tourism, hospitality, and foodways education.
The University looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the Slow Food Movement in future initiatives that celebrate culture, biodiversity, and good, clean, and fair food for all.