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Antique eyes tourism boost via ‘Juan-a Go Program’

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) – The University of Antique (UA) and the Provincial Government of Antique aim to boost tourism in the province through the implementation of the “Juan-a Go Program.”

In a ceremony, May 30, at the UA Paghiusa Hall in Sibalom town, University President Dr. Pablo Crespo, Jr. and Governor Rhodora Cadiao signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for close collaboration and sharing of resources in the conduct of the said program.

The “Juan-a Go Program” is a three-year fully-funded and multi-discipline edu-tourism initiative under the Study in the Philippines (StudyPH) program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

It intends to increase the number of learners through the establishment of institutional linkages for efficient and effective delivery of learning and improve infrastructures in support of innovations, knowledge generation, and education delivery.

The “Juan-a Go Program” spearheaded by Prof. Jason Sermeno has four components that are divided into three phases.

Phase 1 is focused on the refurbishment and equipment and facilities upgrade of “Balay ni Juan” – a bamboo-themed hotel intended to promote UA as a bamboo university.

Meanwhile, Phase 2 includes the “Juan-a Go App” which is a mobile application under its development stage that is designed to connect learners and tourists to hotels, restaurants, service providers, and tourist destinations, and “Ruta ni Juan” which is expected to map historical, cultural, sports, health and wellness, religious and educational activities and sites.

The third and final phase is called “Serbisyo ni Juan” and will be used for assessment, research, and training.

Crespo expressed pride in this CHED-approved program, saying that UA is one of the first universities in the country to receive funding and implement such an initiative.

He added that the UA now has established linkages with Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in the country and even abroad, with Daegu University in South Korea as one of its foreign partner universities.

For her part, Governor Rhodora Cadiao lauded CHED for the edu-tourism program that intends to integrate tourism to learning and pledged her commitment to the “Juan-a Go Program.”

She then challenged Dr. Crespo to make sure that this program is fully materialized and sustained for the benefit of Antique and its people.

Cadiao also emphasized that while tourism is highlighted as a means for economic recovery, the unspoiled beauty and state of Antique must be maintained and protected.

CHED OIC-Deputy Executive Director IV lawyer Lily Freida Milla expressed optimism in the success of the program given the full support of the local government unit.

Among the other guests in the event are StudyPH Project Technical Staff Franz Louie Franco, CHED-International Affairs Staff (IAS) Chief Joy Christine B. Gitau, Camosun College (Canada) Regional Manager Jenni Montero, and provincial government officials. (AAL/BPS/PIA Antique)

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Bernard Ceasar Susbilla

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