In a landmark celebration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) this year, Taal Vista Hotel, one of the Philippines’ most iconic heritage icons, was conferred as a UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub, solidifying its role as a beacon for culture, sustainability, and community-based peace initiatives.
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.”
In her welcome message, Cathy Nepomuceno, SMHCC Senior Vice President said, “As a company rooted in the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and nation-building, SMHCC stands in solidarity with the vision and values championed by the United Nations. 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 stressed during the event.
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.”
In her acceptance speech, Brenda Cabuyao, Taal Vista Hotel Director of Operations, said: “We envision Taal Vista Hotel as a place where meaningful conversations are sparked, where culture and community find harmony, and where every guest is reminded that peace is not just an aspiration — it is an action, lived and shared.”
“As we accept this conferment, we are inspired to continue creating spaces that uplift, connect, and empower. May this milestone remind us all that each of us holds a part in shaping a world that is more compassionate, collaborative, and at peace,” she added.
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.
Notably, during the event, SMHCC President Elizabeth T. 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.
Gracing the momentous event were the top executives of Taal Vista Hotel and SMHCC, namely Cathy Nepomuceno, Senior Vice President-Operations, SMHCC; Agnes Pacis, Vice President-Commercial, SMHCC; Leah Magallanes, Vice President-Quality and Sustainability, SMHCC; Nian Rigor, Asst. Vice President-Public Relations; Brenda Cabuyao, Director of Operations, Taal Vista Hotel; and Mary Rose Lomibao, Director of Sales and Marketing, Taal Vista Hotel.
Diplomats, business leaders, educators, and partners in peace were also represented to this gathering of purpose. In attendance were Shah Md. Ashraful Alam Mohon, First Secretary of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, UNESCO representative Dr. Ethel Agnes Valenzuela, Carlos P. Romulo Awardee Dr. Margarita Bellesteros, peace-advocates from Marawi City, and many more.
The day ended with a fellowship cocktails with live music and warm conversation. Guests also shared their thank you messages and reflections on peace in between.