- It defeats 2 finalists–the provinces of Samar and Davao del Norte
By Edison Justin B. Deus, PGIN-CMO
After two consecutive runner-up finishes in past years, the Province of Ilocos Norte finally won first place in the 2018 Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit (LGU) Category of the 13th Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines and Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) Pearl Awards at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, yesterday, October 5.
The Pearl Awards for Best Tourism Practices of the Philippines was part of the ATOP National Convention, recognizing the efforts of LGUs towards the advancement of the country’s tourism industry.
“At the very start, PGIN we had accomplished the fundamental requirements for a well functioning LGU in terms of tourism. The PGIN had approved the enacted provincial legislated agenda on tourism code, investment code, cultural code, and environmental code. Likewise, a permanent positions for local tourism officers were established,” said Aian B. Raquel, provincial tourism officer and head of the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO).
“It’s important that the executives have significant accomplishments in terms of administration and legislation,” he added, recognizing the support of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos
For years, the province has been keen on implementing strategies for the protection and conservation of cultural properties, including the establishment of new venues and platforms for local artists, and promotion of the province’s cultural sites, products, and events.
Finalists include the provinces of Samar and Davao del Norte, which won the third and second place, respectively.
In particular, Pearl Awards’ screening committee commended the INTO’s Summer Tourism Program. The program immerses both the young and elderly as tour guides in different museums and churches in the province.
“This is the first effort in the country, specifically in the tourism sector, that employs senior citizens as tour guides in museums and churches. This is very special because it shows that our provincial policy on inclusivity is applied in that we employ very diverse demographics—from youth to senior citizens,” Raquel said.
“Also, they [the committee] commended the fact that we were able to earn direct tourism revenues from out properties; data shows we were able to earn more than what we are spending in the INTO.”
Fees and rentals of government-owned tourist destinations such as the Kapurpurawan rock formation, Malacañang of the North, Paseo de Paoay, La Tabacalera Lifestyle Center, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, and the Ilocano Heroes Hall all contribute to provincial revenue
Moreover, ATOP-DOT cited the Media Incentives Desk (MID), an initiative of Governor Marcos. MID pioneered film tourism in the province through an exchange of benefits and promotion coordinated among LGUs, private establishments, and production companies looking to film within Ilocos Norte.
Last year, Artikulo Uno Productions, the maker of historical epic “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” filmed in the different municipalities of the province. Also television series “Bagani,” and several local and international travel magazine shows; cult classics “Himala,” “Ang Panday,” and “Temptation Island” have also used Ilocos Norte as a shoot location over the years.
Final screening of contingents was held on September 22. Ilocos Norte was represented by INTO, city and municipal tourism officers, the youth sector coming from the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office (INYDO), and other local tourism stakeholders.—(Edison Justin B. Deus, PGIN-CMO)
