𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆

It is with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude that I announce the international publication of our research, “𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺-𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮: 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘙𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘺, 𝘈𝘬𝘭𝘢𝘯”.

This milestone is so much more than just an academic achievement; it’s a profound acknowledgment of the community we had the privilege to work with. Our true motivation was to use this research not just for academic recognition, but also to genuinely give a voice to the residents of Barangay Napaan and provide insights that could help them build a more sustainable and thriving future.

During the course of this research, our initial goal was simply to fulfill a course requirement. However, the more we engaged with the local community, the more our purpose shifted. What began as compliance turns into a commitment to helping Barangay Napaan gain recognition and support.

Working closely with the residents helped me connect deeply with their community. I gained a new perspective on the challenges they face. I recognized how much this research could influence their lives, both academically and practically.

Our study, which I conducted with my co-researcher, Ms. Fiel Nadine T. Nadua, explored the real-life impacts of Community-Based Tourism (CBT). We looked into the significant economic opportunities and community involvement ties these initiatives have created in the area. However, we also felt it necessary to highlight the ongoing challenges the community faces, such as waste management issues and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared fairly among all residents. We hope this work can be a useful resource for the barangay as they move toward sustainable development, as Barangay Napaan has so much potential.

This project was a labor of love made possible by the unwavering support of many. To the residents and officials of Barangay Napaan, Malay, Aklan, especially to their Barangay Captain, Mr. Ruben C. Sullano, thank you for welcoming us into your community and for sharing your stories. Your trust and collaboration were the foundation of this research.

I am also thankful to our dedicated adviser, Ms. Jesalem Medina-Capanas, for her constant guidance and encouragement in our work, as well as to Mr. Ronan Andrei Acosta, and Ms. Leah Rey Amoncio, for their contributions.

To Dr. Cherry C. Escarilla, for her invaluable assistance throughout the entire publication process.

To Dr. Jimmy B. Maming and Dr. Jhoselle Tus, your expertise was instrumental in this journey, and your support in turning this dream of international publication into a reality.

This achievement is for all of us who believe in the power of community and the promise of a sustainable future.