BACOLOD CITY – Two local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental were recognized for their inspirational sustainable tourism practices and efforts during the ITB Berlin 2023 in Berlin, Germany on Tuesday, March 7.
Bago City and Sagay City were only the two localities from the Philippines that were included in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories competition in Berlin.
Bago City's entry “Reviving the Majestic Diversity of Bago Watershed” placed third among the finalists for this year's Green Destinations Story Awards under the Environment and Climate Category.
The category covers good practice stories that tackle climate crisis (adaptation and mitigation measures), reduction of single-use plastic, and waste pollution.
The award was received by city officials led by Mayor Nicholas Yulo, who was also joined by his wife Jeanne Louise “Jarie” Yulo. “It is an honor for the city to receive such an award,” the mayor said.
Mayor Yulo said this sustainable leap is an affirmation of the strong efforts and collaboration of the city government of Bago, its stakeholders, and constituents in environmental conservation as well as achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and responsible destination management and climate action.
"This distinction is the sum of all the efforts put in by the men and women of the local government, the trust and support of Bagonhons, and the internal and external environmental and tourism stakeholders," he added.
These institutionalized “green” programs are among the brands in good governance in his and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres' administration, the mayor said.
Sagay City placed second in the Top 100 Green Destinations Story Awards under the Nature and Scenery Category, featuring its “Mangrove Forest Protection through Community-based EcoTourism Project.”
Negros Occidental Rep. Thirdy Marañon and Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva received the award, along with City Tourism Officer Helen Cutillar, on behalf of Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr.
Sagay City also bagged the People's Choice Award for garnering the most votes.
In a Facebook post, the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines lauded the two LGUs for bringing honor to the country. “Big wins for the Philippines,” they said.
In 2022, the two localities were also included in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list in Greece under different categories.
Green Destinations is a global non-profit organization created in the Netherlands to support sustainable destinations, their businesses, and their communities.