AN INSTRUCTOR from the University of Santo Tomas won three National Awards under the Best Tourism Research in the 17th Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippine, Inc.-Department of Tourism Pearl Awards (ATOP-DOT).

Jame Monren Mercado was the grand winner for his research titled “Pamana sa Mata ng mga … Bata? (Heritage in the Eyes of the … Child?): A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Student Tour Guides on Heritage Sustainability – The Case of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.”

Mercado partnered with the municipality of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte for the research project.

He also bagged the 1st runner-up award for another research “Pukpok na nga ba sa limot?: Assessing the Heritage Significance and Safeguarding Culture on the Traditional Craftsmanship of Paete, Laguna, Philippines.”

For this research, he collaborated with the municipality of Paete, Laguna along with his co-researcher, Dr. Marygrace Ac-ac of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Museo Ac-ac and Atelier.

Moreover, Mercado was declared 2nd runner-up for his research titled “Pangangalaga or Pag-unlad (Preservation or Development): A Phenomenological Study on the Stakeholders on the Conservation and Urbanization of a Historic Town – The Case of Lucban, Quezon, Philippines.”

This time, he partnered with the municipality of Lucban, Quezon. His co-researchers were Dr. Claire Ann Yao of Southern Luzon State University Lucban Campus and Dr. Maricel Herrera of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Inc. Lucena Campus.

The Pearl Awards is an annual recognition given to outstanding local government units that showcase significant tourism and hospitality-related programs and projects.

Under the Best Tourism Research category with the theme “Rethinking Tourism”, the award encourages universities and colleges to submit research studies that have not been published.

Research could be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology, preferably endorsed by the college or university.