Tabuk City, Kalinga – January 21, 2025 – Kalinga State University (KSU) and the City Office of Tourism, Culture, and Arts today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the Mayor's Office, marking a significant step towards advancing cultural preservation, artistic development, and sustainable tourism within the city.

Mayor Darwin C. Estrañero, along with Dr. Karen Razelle M. Duyan, Dean of the College of Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (CETHM) at KSU, and Ms. Arlene Odiem, representing the City Office of Tourism, Culture, and Arts, signed the MOA. The signing was witnessed by faculty members of CETHM and staff of the City Tourism Office.

This partnership aims to leverage KSU's academic expertise to support the city's tourism initiatives. KSU will provide qualified resource speakers for workshops, training sessions, and seminars, focusing on strengthening cultural awareness and preservation by educating the community on the importance of protecting and promoting Kalinga's rich heritage and traditions. Furthermore, the partnership will enhance tourism development by sharing insights on sustainable tourism practices, destination management, and community-based tourism models. Additionally, KSU will contribute to advancing artistic excellence by offering training and inspiration to local artists and artisans. Finally, the partnership will build stakeholder capacity by equipping government officials, tourism practitioners, and community leaders with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement tourism-related programs and policies.

The City Office of Tourism, Culture, and Arts will serve as the implementing agency, ensuring that KSU's expertise is effectively utilized to meet the city's tourism objectives.

This MOA signifies a shared commitment between KSU and the City Government, led by Mayor Estrañero, to promote sustainable development in Kalinga by harnessing education, culture, and tourism as drivers of progress.