ILOILO City's leveled up beautification program, eco-friendly efforts and tourism promotions have proven fruitful, as the metropolis has been named one of the cleanest urban centers and top destinations in Southeast Asia.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Clean Tourist City Award 2020-2022 is given to cities that have endeavored to beautify public areas, improved the environment and sanitation, enhanced urban spaces and promoted their man-made and natural attractions.
Department of Tourism (DOT)'s Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation Director Rebecca Villanueva-Labit wrote to Mayor Jerry Treñas, inviting him to attend the awarding ceremony at The Empire Hotel and Country Club, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on January 16, 2020.
"We are happy to inform that Iloilo City has successfully garnered the number of points to be one of three Philippine winners to receive the award. In behalf of the Department of Tourism, a heartfelt congratulations to you and the people of Iloilo for their contributions in making Iloilo City a clean, more exciting and fun destination," Labit said.
The Asean Clean Tourist City Standard (ACTCS) Award aims to provide member states with a tool that will not only enhance their tourism quality and increase marketing competitiveness, but also improve the situation of residents and livelihood by alleviating poverty.
A team from the Standard Development Division earlier visited the sites and validated compliance to criteria requirements. They checked on:
* Promotional materials for tourist products including paraphernalia, leaflets, video clips, and tariff rates for standardized tour packages.
* The city's report to include policies and legislations related to environment protection such as solid waste management, water efficiency and wastewater management, air pollution management systems.
* Awareness campaign and programs on environmental protection and cleanliness implemented.
* Maintenance plans and cleaning schedules of parks and public toilets.
* Ordinances related to growth of tourism industry.
* Performance statistics including crime rate, trained tourist polices, trainings and capacity building for identified personnel.
* Filled-up survey forms to gauge the level of satisfaction of tourist and summary survey results.
* Documentation on Risk Management System to include Emergency Response Team (ERT) and proof of trainings and capacity building of core personnel involved in security and safety.
* Other documents deemed necessary to substantiate the city's best practices.
The team also conducted interviews and meetings of processes undertaken by city with regard to its tourism development and environmental management system. (PR)