THE Pagdayaw 2025: Western Visayas Tourism Awards in Iloilo City. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) honored more than 100 key stakeholders during the recent Pagdayaw 2025: Western Visayas Tourism Awards.
“This expresses our deepest appreciation to those whose consistent support and excellence have strengthened Western Visayas as a vibrant, competitive, and responsible tourism region,” said DOT-6 Director Crisanta Marlene “Krisma” Rodriguez.
The province of Capiz led winners with eight major awards, including four for its local government unit (LGU): Best Tourism-Oriented LGU-Excellence Award in Tourism Governance and Development (Provincial Category); Tourism Champion in Product Development Award; Tourism Champion in Promotion of Multi-Dimensional Tourism Products Award, and Tourism Champion in Gender Mainstreaming Award.
Capiz Tourism Officer Alphonsus “Al” Tesoro was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award for his nearly 25 years of work in the tourism sector as well as his role in regional arts and culture.
The province of Capiz was awarded the Model Provincial LGU in Local Statistics, Database Management, and Reporting; Partner LGU in Tourism Industry Skills Program; Tourism Mover Award, and Tourism Partner in Championing Slow Food in Western Visayas.
The LGU of Tigbauan in Iloilo province was named Best Tourism-Oriented LGU-Excellence Award in Tourism Governance and Development (Municipal Category).
The Iloilo MICE Alliance was cited as Outstanding Stakeholder Association for Tourism Sustainability Excellence.
Along with DOT-6 Assistant Regional Director Phoebe Zelie C. Areño, Rodriguez handed out awards to key private partners, including hotels, non-government organizations, the academe, and the media.