The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the provincial government of Capiz named the region’s local government units (LGUs), private sector and individuals that excelled in their respective fields and contributed much in the promotion of the tourism industry in Western Visayas.

The tourism awards highlighted the culminating activity of the annual ‘Western Visayas Tourism Assembly’ held in this ‘Seafood Capital of the Philippines Sunday evening.’

Committee on Awards chair, Atty. Helen Catalbas, said the event was not only aimed at giving recognition to institutions that “uphold the quality of service in destinations” in the region but also for winners to serve as inspiration for other partners to improve thus enhancing the industry in the region.

Leading the list of institutional awardees were the Bgy. Hoskyn Tourism Council in Jordan, Guimaras as the best tourism council while the best tourism-oriented LGUs included Nueva Valencia, Guimaras (municipal level); Bago City, Negros Occidental (component city); Guimaras (provincial) and Bacolod City (highly urbanized city).

Also the Nyala Tours in Bacolod City was named as best transport operator while the best hotel were the L’Fisher Hotel (first class) and The Sylvia Manor (standard class).

The Discovery Shores in Boracay was recognized as the best resort for AAA class.

Further under the creative awards category the winners were Luci Yunque as best travel writer and Jose Malinaw as best taxi driver.

For the individual awards the list of awardees included Melanie Ortega as best tour guide; Jennylind Cordero and Alphonsus Tesoro as best provincial tourism officers and Cristine Mansinares as best component city tourism officer.

Under the special awards category the awardees included the Culajao Mangrove Eco-Park as best eco-tourism product and Guisi community-based Heritage Tourism Project as best emerging destination in Western Visayas.

Manuel Villa Jr., the chairperson of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc., was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award while the Regional Director’s Award went to Governors.

Victor Tanco of Capiz and Carlito Marquez of Aklan, Severino Pacete, Jose Parreño Jr and the GDR Taxi.

Catalbas said the winners either applied or were nominated by respected institutions or individuals.

For several years, the DOT has been following the criteria used by the DOT central office in its Kalakbay Awards in choosing deserving winners but during the past four years they have designed a criteria specific for the regional awards, she said.(PNA) LDV/ajp/PGL/vlo