ILOILO CITY — Iloilo City secured multiple prestigious recognitions at the 2026 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards, held on October 21 in Ormoc City, Leyte. These highly coveted accolades highlight the city's rich cultural heritage, its highly effective tourism promotions, and its proven capability in hosting major events.
A Sweep of Top Tourism Honors
The city's impressive performance across various categories underscores its continuous commitment to excellence. By securing top honors in cultural festivals, souvenirs, promotions, and event hosting, Iloilo City proves its status as a premier destination that successfully balances heritage preservation with modern tourism demands.
This exceptional showing at the regional level reinforces the city government's dedication to elevating the standard of local tourism. It serves as a strong motivation for tourism stakeholders to continue developing innovative and sustainable programs that benefit both the local community and visiting travelers alike.
Dinagyang and Heritage Triumphs
The Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2025, themed "Buhi nga Pagtuo sa Kinabuhi sang mga Ilonggo," clinched the Champion title for Best Tourism Event under the Cultural Festival category. This victory celebrates the unwavering faith and vibrant spirit of the Ilonggo people, deeply rooting the festival in local history and culture.
Additionally, the "Modern Ilongga: Preserving Heritage, Empowering Women" initiative was named the Grand Winner for Best Tourism Souvenirs (Non-Food). This project beautifully highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of local women, transforming traditional skills into globally competitive products while promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities.
These wins demonstrate how community-driven initiatives can successfully translate into major tourism assets. The local government continues to prioritize programs that protect the city's unique identity while providing economic benefits to artisans, weavers, and marginalized sectors across the region.
Excellence in Promotions and Event Hosting
The city also earned the 1st Runner-Up spot for Best Tourism Promotions with the "Meet and Taste Iloilo" brochure. This creative material effectively showcases the city's culinary wonders and vibrant culture, successfully enticing travelers to experience the unique flavors and warm hospitality of the province.
Furthermore, Iloilo demonstrated its world-class hosting capabilities by securing 1st Runner-Up for Best Event Hosting (International) for the IPSC Action Air World Shooting Championship. The 16th National Food Showdown 2025 also made it to the finals in the Best Event Hosting (Local) category.
Successfully managing these diverse events requires precise logistical coordination and community cooperation. The recognitions affirm the city's readiness to accommodate large-scale gatherings, boosting its reputation as a highly capable and reliable destination for global conferences, competitions, and cultural showcases.
A Testament to Collaborative Success
These remarkable achievements reflect the strong collaboration between the local government, private stakeholders, and the community. The ATOP Pearl Awards serve as a powerful validation of the city's strategic efforts to elevate its tourism industry while preserving its rich cultural identity and fostering inclusive growth.
As Iloilo City continues to build on these successes, it remains committed to strengthening its tourism initiatives and showcasing its capacity to host diverse local and international events. These awards inspire the community to further innovate and create memorable experiences for every visitor exploring the vibrant city.
