A NETWORK of Lasallian institutions practicing and promoting the highest quality of tourism and hospitality education, the Lasallian Association of Tourism and Hospitality Education (LATHE), has named Marie Paz Castro, MBA, CHE, CGSP as its president.
A seasoned educator and industry practitioner, the new LATHE president is currently the dean of the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. She once held executive roles at the Intercontinental Hotel Group (Holiday Inn), Dusit Thani and Shangri-La.
As president of the association, Castro aims to focus on three priority areas: collaboration, innovation, future orientation and marketing. She expressed her concrete plans to explore new opportunities and partnerships that would benefit both the educators and students.
“I am hoping to nurture a better, brighter LATHE—a top organization in tourism and hospitality education that stands strong despite the ever-changing [competitive landscape] and increasing challenges of our industry,” she shared.
The association likewise welcomed Beberlee Desingano from De La Salle University-Dasmariñas as vice president, Evangeline Necio from De La Salle-Lipa as secretary, Andrea Pangan from De La Salle-Araneta University as treasurer, and Ostein Gemotea from University of St. La Salle as public relations officer.
Established in 2011, the team reviews the curricula across Lasallian colleges and universities to surpass the standards established by the Commission on Higher Education. The team spearheads faculty development initiatives, creative projects, extensive research and active community programs to enable the academic and support staff of the schools to provide the most relevant, up-to-date and highly competent service in the industry.