World Citi Colleges (WCC) students brought Filipino creativity and sustainable tourism advocacy to the international stage after winning two first-place awards at the 2nd International Cultural Exchange (ICE) 2026, hosted by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) in Vietnam on May 15, 2026.

Centered on the theme “Sustainable Tourism 2026: Change in Action!”, the international competition gathered student delegates from 17 higher education institutions across Asia, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Thailand, and the Philippines. The event served as a platform for intercultural collaboration, creative presentation, and meaningful advocacy on sustainable tourism and global citizenship.

Representing WCC was Team “I Dream as Sierra Madre” from the School of International Hospitality Management (SIHM). The team was composed of Ms. Rhea Parcon, team leader; Mr. Maynard Cebrano; Ms. Asha Mangaring; and Ms. Shayne Orosca, under the mentorship of their adviser, Dr. Katherine Cadalo.

Competing alongside delegates from other Asian higher education institutions, the WCC team earned first place in two of the seven award categories:

Most Favorite Tourism Promotion Video
Most Favorite Problem-Solution Poster

Their project, titled “I Dream as Sierra Madre: Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Rizal Province,” showcased the province’s rich cultural identity, natural beauty, and sustainability initiatives. Through their tourism promotion video, problem-solution poster, and cultural presentation, the students highlighted Rizal Province not only as a destination, but also as a community shaped by heritage, environmental responsibility, and meaningful travel.

Through opportunities such as ICE 2026, WCC continues to strengthen its commitment to internationalization and experiential learning by providing students with avenues to engage globally, collaborate across cultures, and contribute innovative ideas to contemporary issues.