In a landmark celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations this year, Taal Vista Hotel, one of the Philippines’ most iconic heritage icons, was conferred as a UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub.
The conferment on October 21, led by the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), a civic partner of the UN, which was founded to promote peace, education, and diplomacy, and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC), in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), carries the theme “Building the Future Together.”
“As a company rooted in the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and nation-building, SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation stands in solidarity with the vision and values championed by the United Nations,” Cathy Nepomuceno, SMHCC Senior Vice President said.
“We take great pride in Taal Vista Hotel’s legacy, which now serves as a hub for meaningful dialogue, education, collaboration, and purposeful action.”
“By anchoring a Peace Center in a Filipino heritage landmark like Taal Vista, we declare that peace is not built in conference halls alone—it begins where history, culture, and community meet. UN’s sustainable goals are not just policies; they are a living promise to humanity,” UNGC Founder and President Jenny Pearl Ninalga added.
Mr. Roderick “Ric” Cruz, Global President, United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNA Phils), spearheaded the formal turn over and raising of the UN flag during the conferment rites.
He reminded the audience that “a UN Flag hoisted on our soil reminds us of our collective commitment to peace — because no matter which country we come from, we are united under one flag, the flag of the United Nations.”
“The hoisting of the United Nations Flag today is more than ceremony — it is a declaration of shared purpose – the Philippines, being one of the original signatories of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” he said.
Cruz further noted that “a UN Flag gives weight to the place where it is hoisted — and when we name a ballroom or a hall as a Peace Center, we do not just assign a title, we give meaning and mission to that space.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism, through Regional Director Marites Castro (Region IV-A Calabarzon), commended the efforts of UNGC to foster global citizenship through education, dialogue, and community empowerment.
“These ideals resonate deeply with our mission in the tourism sector—to build bridges among peoples, celebrate diversity, and nurture a culture of respect and inclusivity,” she said.
The event also featured the UN Flag Raising Ceremony, the Peace Pledge, and a symbolic unity gathering with UNAP, UNGC, SMHCC and distinguished delegates, all joining hands in the spirit of peace and global collaboration.
During the event, SMHCC President Ms. Elizabeth Sy was honored with the UNA Presidential Medal and World Changers Award for her leadership in heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment through SMHCC.
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