TAAP Recognizes Woman of Substance 2026 during the International Women’s Month Celebration
Manila, Philippines – The Trainers and Advocates Association of the Philippines (TAAP) proudly congratulates Dr. Sheelah Joy Baraero-Era for being recognized as the winner of “Woman of Substance 2026. TAAP conducted a thorough deliberation held March 22–25, 2026 (Online) in celebration of International Women’s Month.
This prestigious recognition honors her outstanding demonstration of: Leadership, Training Excellence, and Community Service. According to TAAP, “We also extend our warmest congratulations for her exceptional performance and for successfully passing the rigorous Question and Answer segment, confidently evaluated by both local and international panels of judges. Her poise, depth of insight, and clarity of thought truly set her apart.”
Moreover, “Your dedication, passion, and commitment to empowering others embody what it means to be a Woman of Substance. You are an inspiration and a shining example of excellence and service. May you continue to lead, inspire, and create meaningful impact in your community and beyond. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved achievement,” the TAAP emphasized.
Dr. Baraero-Era was a nominee fpr this year’s TAAP Woman of Substance. She is a distinguished tourism educator, researcher, and academic leader with over two decades of experience. Currently serving as a Research Fellow at Far Eastern University, Manila, she previously led the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management as Dean. Dr. Baraero-Era is recognized for her impactful work integrating training, research, and advocacy for sustainable tourism, hospitality education, and professional development, actively contributing to national and international research and capacity-building initiatives. She is an Outstanding Trainer and Speaker for the Trainers and Advocates Association of the Philippines (TAAP) and a recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award from La Consolacion College Manila. Her extensive leadership roles include Vice President of the Hospitality and Tourism Council of Deans (HOSTCODE) and Founding Officer and Former President of the Union of Filipino Tourism Educators (UFTE). She is also an Accreditor for PACUCOA and ALCUCOA, and an Associate Member of the National Research Council of the Philippines. Her work is widely published in academic journals and presented at numerous international conferences.
The TAAP founding president and chairperson, Lurhen Cortes, expressed her elation and advocacy, “I hope we can feature our search for women of substance in celebration of International Women’s Month to hype up the celebration and recognition. The ladies had surpassed the Q&A with our panel of judges from Nepal, Malaysia, and the Philippines. We already have a winner.”
The distinguished panel of judges for TAAP Women of Substance is equally exemplary women: Dr. Ria Liza Canlas, Ms. Anuja Saraf Agrawal from Nepal, Ms. Rani Wemel from Malaysia, and Ms. Maria Christina Aquino. Dr. Baraero-Era bested nominees: Dr. Maricar Rellon, Ms. Maryjane Falcon-Maranag, Dr. Rochelle Salazar, Dr. Claire Kaplaan Lafadchan, Dr. Elizabeth Crudo, Dr. Mary Ann Dumalo, Ms. Eifflene Howard, Dr. Myrna Ceno, and Jo Domingo. #
