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University of the Philippines Diliman has established a partnership with the Municipality of Kawayan in Biliran, Eastern Visayas, through the UP Asian Institute of Tourism (UP-AIT)

University of the Philippines Diliman has established a partnership with the Municipality of Kawayan in Biliran, Eastern Visayas, through the UP Asian Institute of Tourism (UP-AIT)

On January 26, 2026, the Municipality of Kawayan, province of Biliran warmly welcomed the UP Asian Institute of Tourism (UP-AIT) Team at the Kawayan Municipal Building led by Municipal Mayor Hon. Rodolfo J. Espina, Sr., Hon. Vice Mayor Jake S. Espina and members of the Sangguniang Bayan and the Department Heads of the Local Government Unit of the Municipality for the extension project entitled “Pagsibol: Stakeholders Consultation and Tourism Product Development Workshop of the Municipality of Kawayan, Province of Biliran, Eastern Visayas.” This partnership aims to support the development of sustainable and community-driven tourism initiatives in the municipality and to assist them as they work to prepare their Tourism Development Plan.

The activity covered a two-day Tourism Rapid Assessment (TRA) to assess the current condition, potential, and readiness of the Municipality of Kawayan’s tourism destinations. The UP-AIT Team also conducted a document review of the Municipality’s key planning documents, including the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), Annual Investment Plan (AIP), and Tourism Development Plan (TDP) draft to provide feedback on the information they have and what needs to be included to complete a more comprehensive TDP. The TRA was followed by a three-day Seminar-Workshop which focused on strengthening the Municipality’s tourism potential through stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and collaborative planning.

Kawayan, Biliran Vice Mayor Espina was key to the success of the whole partnership. His leadership and support in all the activities involving the team allowed for a more interactive exchange with the workshop participants. He also shared the current tourism situation of Kawayan.

It was encouraging to see the active participation of various sectors from the beginning until the end of the 3-day activity. The continued collaboration of partners from the LGU, Liga ng mga Barangay, Department of Education, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Provincial Tourism Office, Department of Trade and Industry representatives, private sector representatives, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the youth reflect a shared commitment to developing the Municipality of Kawayan’s tourism in a community-based, inclusive and sustainable direction.

As the Municipality’s tagline . . . “Sa Kawayan, Kaya Yan!”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question in mind? We listed down some of the Frequently Asked Questions to help and guide you. If you have further questions not covered in this FAQ, please send us an inquiry through daa.ait@up.edu.ph

FAQS

How to apply in the BS Tourism Program? To be eligible in the BS Tourism Program, you need to pass the UP College Admission (UPCA)/UP College Admission Test UPCAT). For students who are planning to shift or transfer to the BS Tourism program, you must have completed 30 units of coursework (if you are from other UPD units or other UP campus) or 33 units of coursework (if you are from other college and university)

The documentary requirements can be found here. For more information and other queries, send an email with your concern to asianinstituteoftourism.upd@up.edu.ph

Are there scholarship offerings for UPAIT students? The graduate program of UPAIT offers the MSTDM scholarship award, with one awardee annually. For other scholarship opportunities for BS Tourism and Graduate Program, visit the UP Diliman Office of Scholarships and Grants Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/UPDilimanOSG

The UP AIT Alumni Association also offers an educational assistance in cash to deserving third and fourth year students.

UP AIT offers the Graduate Diploma in Tourism Development and Management (GDip TDM) which leads to the degree of Master of Science in Tourism Development and Management (MSTDM).

The graduate program courses are listed here. You may also view the description of courses here If you would like to know more about the subjects, please send us an e-mail.

All tourism and non-tourism graduates, with at least 1-year work experience and who would like to obtain a diploma and/or an advance degree in the field of tourism management and development may apply.

The list of requirements and downloadable application forms can be found in this page.

Yes, applicants whose work experiences are non-tourism related are welcome to apply. However, all applications will be assessed based on results of entrance examination, interview, academic performance, essay, and recommendations.

At present, UP AIT does not accept shiftees for the Graduate Program. Courses/Subjects taken in other colleges or universities will not be credited for the completion of the GDipTDM and MSTDM.

The entrance exam uses different types of questions that aim to assess your current knowledge, comprehension, logic, and analytical skills. Advanced knowledge of tourism is not required.

The application process is conducted online. Please ensure that you have read and understood the program details before submitting your application here. Once you have completed the application requirements, you can now proceed to submit your application.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Graduate Program office at aitgradprog.upd@up.edu.ph

The UPAIT Graduate Program is intended to meet the professional development needs of graduates to advance their careers in the tourism industry. Thus the UPAIT Graduate Program as much as practicable will offer weekday evenings (5:00 PM onwards) and Saturday classes (scheduled between 8 AM – 7 PM).
All classes are currently conducted remotely (online synchronous and asynchronous sessions). To be updated on the University Academic Policies on remote learning visit the website of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs

Graduate students are advised to take 9 units to get full load credit per semester or an equivalent of 2 – 3 classes per semester depending on the course credit units.

All students enrolled in the Graduate Program of UP AIT need to take a total of 21 units of required and elective Courses, which will allow the completion of a Graduate Diploma. Should the student want to advance to a Master’s Degree, the student needs to take 16 or 19 more units depending on the track they choose; Plan A is a thesis track with 19 units or Plan B, a non-thesis track with 16 units.

Full-time GDipTDM students, taking a normal load, may complete the degree in three semesters (approximately 1.5 years). The time limit for the completion of all diploma requirements shall be no more than two (2) years starting from the student’s first enrollment in the course and shall include all leaves of absence from the program.

If GDipTDM graduates choose to continue to MSTDM, you must complete an additional 19 units (Plan A, thesis track) or 16 units (Plan B, non-thesis track), which may be taken in two semesters and one mid-year term. The time limit for the completion of the Master’s requirements shall be three (3) years, starting from the student’s first enrollment in the course and shall include all leaves of absence from the program.

Yes. There will be time limit of 2 years from enrollment for the GDipTDM, and a time limit of 3 years for MSTDM, maximum years to finish is 5 years.

The cost per unit is Php 2,000 and the estimated cost of tuition fees for full load per semester is around Php 20,000 – 25,000.

Students and prospective applicants are requested to search for available grants or scholarships at the University of the Philippines Office of Scholarships and Student Services.

For list of available scholarships visit the website of the University of the Philippines Office of Student Scholarships.

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Please ensure to schedule and coordinate your visit in advance before proceeding to our campus.

Location:

UP Asian Institute of Tourism, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101

Email:

asianinstituteoftourism.upd@up.edu.ph

Call:

(+63 2) 8 981 8500 extension #2798

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