Esencia and the Ana G. Mendez University sign an agreement to strengthen the educational offer in tourism and hospitality in Cabo Rojo and Southwest municipalities
[January 14, 2025] Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico – Three Rules Capital, the developer of Esencia with Reuben Brothers, and the Ana G. Méndez University (UAGM, for its acronym in Spanish), signed today an agreement to collaborate in the strengthening and expansion of the tourism and culinary arts curriculum that the university offers on the Cabo Rojo university center.
Areas of possible cooperation include 1) tempering the curriculum to ensure it meets emerging industry needs; 2) collaboration with faculty to develop or update courses to ensure students are prepared to make a successful career; 3) opportunities for practical learning and experience in Esencia; and, 4) interaction with the industry through conferences and talks with experts to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and its application in real life.
Roberto Ruiz, principal of Three Rules Capital in Puerto Rico, said that, as an industry, they will contribute with their experience, resources and personnel to achieve the objectives regarding research and development, evaluation and review of the curriculum, and funding opportunities to support educational and research programs.
"This agreement represents an important step toward strengthening hospitality education in the southwestern municipalities for the benefit of area residents. Ensuring that communities have access to education and decent employment is fundamental to sustainable development. We are committed and grateful to collaborate with distinguished local partners, such as the UAGM, to explore and develop initiatives that allow locally Caborrojeños and residents of neighboring municipalities to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain secure and well-paying jobs, and develop careers with worldclass hotel operators," said Ruiz.
Currently, the Department of Tourism at the Ana G. Méndez University in Cabo Rojo offers 5 programs in different areas of study, including tourism and culinary arts. Through this cooperation, the university is committed to providing the academic and institutional structure needed to facilitate the development and success of these initiatives.
“For the Ana G. Méndez University, it is an honor to participate in this type of alliance in which opportunities for our students and professors are expanded. We recognize the tourism potential of Cabo Rojo and the entire western area of Puerto Rico and the contributions that our university community can make in its development. With this agreement, we join forces for the benefit of economic development and the creation of new opportunities for our people, said José F. Méndez Méndez, DBA , President of UAGM.
With an investment of $2 billion in Cabo Rojo, Esencia is projected to become a powerful driver of opportunity and economic development, including the creation of up to 17,000 new direct, indirect and induced jobs during the construction and operation of the project. Employment opportunities will benefit professionals, skilled workers, and local entrepreneurs. Esencia will offer priority to residents of Cabo Rojo and neighboring municipalities, aiming to reduce unemployment rates and poverty levels in the area. "Caborrojeños will be the ones who will lead Cabo Rojo’s transformation into a model of progress and sustainability as the capital of tourism in Puerto Rico and globally," Ruiz emphasized.
About.UAGM
The Ana G. Méndez University (UAGM) is a non-profit institution of higher education that encompasses three main campuses and eight university centers in Puerto Rico. The UAGM is part of the Ana G. Mendez University System, which also operates the Ana G. Mendez University (AGMU) in the state of Florida, with campuses in Orlando, Tampa and South Florida and an online campus. The UAGM and AGMU promote innovation, entrepreneurship, research, as well as appreciation and respect for diversity. Its resources support the offer of post-secondary, undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, framed in the highest quality standards. Both institutions are accredited by the Higher Education Commission of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
About.Esencia
Esencia is a proposed coastal community in the municipality of Cabo Rojo. On May 23, 2024, the proponents submitted Esencia’s plan to the Office of Permit Management (OGPe, for its acronym
in Spanish) and is currently advancing its review and approvals process with the agencies. Esencia's partners include among the most distinguished brands in the global hospitality industry, including Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, among others. It is estimated that the project’s construction would create 2,000 jobs in Cabo Rojo and southwestern Puerto Rico. Once the community is operational it is expected to create 2,000 jobs – vocational and professional.
Reuben.Brothers
Reuben Brothers is a global leader in real estate investment, development, private equity, debt financing, and venture capital. Over the past twenty-five years, the business has built a world- class portfolio of properties in the most sought-after markets across the United Kingdom, United States, and Europe. The Group’s extensive real estate holdings are diversified, spanning residential, office, retail, hotel, and infrastructure assets worldwide. Key investments include Cambridge House, Admiralty Arch, The Twenty-Two and Burlington Arcade in Mayfair; The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, and The Twenty-Two in New York; W South Beach in Miami; The Vineta in Palm Beach; Century Plaza in Los Angeles; Hotel La Palma in Capri; ESENCIA in Puerto Rico. Ancillary business include London Oxford Airport, Arena Racing Company, and Newcastle United Football Club. The philanthropic arm, Reuben Foundation, was formed in 2002 and makes essential contributions to the advancement of healthcare and education globally, as well as the arts. For more information visit www.reubenbrothers.com
Three.Rules.Capital
Three Rules Capital is a global real estate development company specializing in pioneering luxury residential and resort communities, with operations in Puerto Rico. Founded by Will Bennett and Roberto Ruiz Vargas, who are like-minded in their commitment to kindness and righteousness in business, Three Rules Capital reflects both integrity and luxury pedigree. The partners bring an extensive track record of partnering with leading hospitality brands to create one- of-a-kind destinations. This has included overseeing the structure of equity investment, construction, and development of major resort and residential projects throughout Puerto Rico, Mexico, Hawaii, Dominican Republic, Portugal, and New York. For more information visit www.threerulescapital.com.