In a landmark celebration marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) and the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC) formally conferred Taal Vista Hotel as a UN Community Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub. The event, held October 21 at the heritage hotel in partnership with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), carried 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,” said SMHCC Senior Vice President Cathy Nepomuceno in her welcome message. “We take great pride in Taal Vista Hotel’s legacy, which now serves as a hub for meaningful dialogue, education, collaboration, and purposeful action.”

UNGC Founder and President Jenny Pearl Ninalga emphasized the importance of anchoring peace in community spaces. “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,” she said.

Roderick “Ric” Cruz, Global President of UNAP, led the formal turnover and raising of the UN flag during the conferment rites. “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,” Cruz said.

He added, “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.”

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 remarks, Taal Vista Hotel Director of Operations Brenda Cabuyao expressed gratitude and purpose. “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,” she said.

“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,” Cabuyao added.

Department of Tourism Regional Director for Calabarzon Marites Castro also commended the initiative. “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 ceremony featured a UN Flag Raising, Peace Pledge, and a unity gathering that brought together representatives from UNAP, UNGC, SMHCC, and various peace advocates.

During the event, SMHCC President Elizabeth T. Sy received the UNA Presidential Medal and World Changers Award in recognition of her leadership in heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment.

Also in attendance were SMHCC executives Cathy Nepomuceno, Agnes Pacis, Leah Magallanes, and Nian Rigor, along with Taal Vista Hotel leaders Brenda Cabuyao and Mary Rose Lomibao.

Diplomats, business leaders, educators, and peace partners joined the celebration, including 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; and peace advocates from Marawi

City.

The day concluded with fellowship cocktails featuring live music and reflections on peace.

Taal Vista Hotel, a heritage landmark in Tagaytay, continues to preserve Filipino hospitality while adapting to the evolving needs of travelers. The hotel is part of the SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. portfolio, which includes properties such as Conrad Manila, Radisson Blu Cebu, and the Park Inn by Radisson group.