The roots of what is now the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) at Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) can be traced back to 1983 with the opening of a special program that led to a Diploma in Industrial Technology (DIT). This was a two-year program under the MECS Technical Vocational Education Project (TVEP). By 1984–1985, the program evolved into a three-year Diploma of Technology (DT), which offered major specializations in automotive, mechanical, electronics, and electrical technology, and included summers devoted to on-the-job training.
In line with government thrusts to strengthen technical education, the Central Visayas Polytechnic College (CVPC), the forerunner of NORSU, expanded its offerings. During the administration of President Henry A. Sojor, the Technician Education Institute (TEI) was established, introducing new programs such as Agriculture Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Secretarial Science, Medical Dental Nursing Aide, and later Midwifery. TEI would eventually merge with engineering programs and later stand independently when engineering became a separate college in 1994.
In 1997, TEI was converted into the College of Technician Education (CTE), offering the four-year Bachelor of Technician Education (BTE). By 1999–2000, the Bachelor of Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM) program was transferred to CTE, further expanding its academic scope. The early 2000s saw continuous program development, including the offering of majors in Automotive, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Aviation Technologies, among others.
Significant institutional changes followed in 2004, when Republic Act No. 9299 converted CVPC into Negros Oriental State University (NORSU). With this, several programs were reorganized: Midwifery and Medical Dental Nursing Aide were moved to the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS). At the same time, Secretarial Science was transferred to the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA). The BSHRM program was renamed Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM). Consequently, the College was renamed the College of Technology Education (CTE).
In the first semester of academic year 2010–2011, a significant milestone was reached when the Hospitality Management Department, along with the newly transferred Tourism Department from the College of Arts and Sciences, was consolidated under CTE. This change gave birth to the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM), formally approved by the NORSU Board of Regents (BOR) under Resolution No. 16, series of 2010. However, in 2013, due to faculty qualification issues, CTHM was merged with the CBA by BOR Resolution No. 31, series of 2013.
After a decade, the vigorous advocacy to re-establish CTHM as an independent academic unit was spearheaded by Dr. Tulip Lopez, who served as the principal proponent of this endeavor. Through her leadership and persistence, the proposal gained the support of the University administration and the Board of Regents. On August 19, 2024, the BOR approved Resolution No. 98, series of 2024, authorizing the re-establishment of CTHM in compliance with CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 62, series of 2017. This milestone was formally enacted through Executive Order No. 90, series of 2024, issued by University President Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, directing its full implementation.
At present, the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) and the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) are both Level III Re-Accredited Programs under the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP). This recognition affirms the College's commitment to academic quality and continuous improvement in instruction, research, extension, and student services.
The College, revitalized through its vision and dedication, remains steadfast in its mission to provide quality tourism and hospitality education, producing competent graduates equipped with professional knowledge, practical skills, and values aligned with industry standards and global demands.
© 2025 Tulip Flores Lopez. All rights reserved.
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