SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), a leader in the hospitality industry, is making remarkable strides in social responsibility by empowering individuals through education and skill-building. The company’s flagship property, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, is setting an inspiring example in creating lasting, positive changes in the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals. One such example is the recent achievement of Ms. Marissa Basa, the first participant to complete the Housekeeping Skills Training program, who was hired as a Housekeeping Attendant at the hotel under the Multi-Access Cooperative (MAC).
This collaboration, backed by Radisson Hotel Group and SM Hotels & Conventions Corp., marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s initiative to provide Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with the tools and training necessary to rebuild their futures. By equipping PDLs with employable skills, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA and its partners are making a measurable difference in the lives of women incarcerated at the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory.
On February 13, 2025, the hotel celebrated this groundbreaking achievement with a special event attended by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, alongside various key figures from the Quezon City Government, SMHCC, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA executives, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Multi-Access Cooperative, and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. The occasion celebrated the completion of the Housekeeping Skills Training program and the successful employment of Ms. Basa, symbolizing the beginning of a brighter future for former inmates and their families.
A Program of Empowerment and Change
The initiative, which officially launched in October 2024, was designed to empower women incarcerated at the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory. The Housekeeping Skills Training Program provides these women with practical, industry-recognized skills that adhere to international hospitality standards. This effort is part of a broader, long-term initiative led by Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, which aligns with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s “No Woman Left Behind” program. This initiative focuses on empowering women to build better, sustainable lives for themselves and their families by providing them with marketable skills.
One of the standout features of this program is its commitment to high standards. In partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the program has adopted a global Housekeeping Curriculum that ensures that all training provided meets the standards expected in the international hospitality industry. This collaboration highlights the importance of offering participants real, applicable skills that are recognized worldwide.
To facilitate hands-on training, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA went above and beyond by constructing a replica Park Inn Standard Room inside the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory. This innovation allows the participants to practice in a realistic setting that simulates the work environment they will encounter once they reenter society. Under the guidance of a TESDA-certified trainer from the Quezon City Skills and Livelihood Foundation, the participants receive top-tier training and gain valuable experience in housekeeping practices, such as cleaning techniques, room maintenance, and guest services.
Real Opportunities for Real Change
The program is a clear example of how collaboration can lead to meaningful impact. Through this initiative, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, in partnership with the local government and non-governmental organizations, is providing former inmates with not only new skills but also access to stable, rewarding job opportunities. For many of these women, the opportunity to work in a hotel like Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA represents a fresh start and the chance to build a better future for themselves and their families.
Ms. Basa’s journey exemplifies the success of this program. After completing her training, she regained her freedom and was offered a full-time position as a Housekeeping Attendant at Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA. Her employment is a direct result of the program’s commitment to offering real-world opportunities to former inmates, helping them transition back into society with dignity and purpose.
This initiative is more than just about providing a job; it’s about creating a platform for rehabilitation and empowerment. By equipping former inmates with valuable skills and offering them a supportive workplace environment, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA is proving that second chances can lead to lasting change.
Continued Commitment to Empowerment
The success of the Housekeeping Skills Training program is only the beginning. Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, SM Hotels & Conventions Corp., and their partners remain committed to expanding this program and creating additional opportunities for rehabilitation. By investing in the development of these women, the program not only helps the participants regain their independence but also contributes to the broader community by fostering a culture of empowerment, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
As the hotel industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the Housekeeping Skills Training program demonstrate how businesses can play an active role in making a positive difference in society. Through continued collaboration, dedication, and hard work, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA and its partners are helping to build a better future for everyone involved.
For more information about Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, visit their website.
