Sagay bags Hall of Fame award; Sipalay, Bacolod big winners, too

SAGAY City made it to the Hall of Fame of this year's Pearl Awards of the Department of Tourism and Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (DOT-Atop) after it was hailed for three consecutive years as Best Tourism Week/Month Celebration city category.

The award was received by Sagay City Tourism Officer Helen Javier Arguelles and staff along with Provincial Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Cristine Mansinares in rites held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City on October 5.

The city also bagged the second place award for Best Practices on Community-Based Responsible Tourism mainly for its The Suyac Island Journey: Coastal Communities Resource Advocacies to Boost Sustainability program.

Also winning big this year is Sipalay City as its Tourism Kite Festival was again awarded as this year’s grand winner for Best Tourism Event (Sports) city category.

Bacolod City, meanwhile, was adjudged third place in Best Tourism Week/Month Celebration city category.

"I congratulate all the winning local government units (LGUs). All of our entries made it to the top three," Mansinares said, adding that "may they continue to inspire other localities to push for excellence in their tourism activities and programs."

Previously, the province was also recognized as a Hall of Fame awardee in three categories including Best Tourism Week Celebration and Best Tourism-Oriented LGU in 2016, and Best Tourism Event (Festival) Provincial Category for its Panaad sa Negros Festival in 2017.