Leyte festival bagged Best Tourism Practice Award

By Provincial Media Relations Center
October 11, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The provincial government of Leyte bagged the Best Tourism Practice Award under Festival Category during the recently concluded Association of Tourism Officers National Convention 2010 at the Subic International Convention Center, Subic, Zambales.

The Pintados Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals won the Grand Prize with Magayon Festival, Albay as 4th runner up, Hudyaka Festival of Zamboanga del Norte as 3rd runner up, Anilag Festival of Laguna as 2nd runner up and Panaad Festival of Negros Occidental as 1st runner up. Criteria for judging were based on achievement of the project 20%, contribution to the community 25%, continuity and sustainability of the event/project 20%, involvement and participation of the stakeholders 35%.

Distinguished judges were Mr. Sofronio Jon Lingatong Jr. - Program Officer Center for Social Involvement, Assumption College Manila, Mr. Casimiro Villarosa, Jr. VP - The Philippine Premier Theatrical Family Show: Amazing Show, Ms. Ellen Fullido VP-HR & Admin Services, Manila Broadcasting Company and Star City member and founding and organizing committee of the Aliwan Fiesta.

Chairman of the Committee on Awards for ATOP was Mr. Kenneth Benignos, Tourism Officer of Negros Occidental and Ms. Grace Marzan of DOT Manila served as Adviser.

Board Member Nico Villasin was on hand to receive the award.

ATOP National convention is a yearly event that provides an avenue discuss pressing issues on the country's tourism industry and the role of local government units (LGUs), the local tourism officers and stakeholders in the promotion of domestic tourism.

It was organized in 2000 with the end-in-view of promoting sustainable community tourism programs in partnership with local chief executives who advocate tourism development in their respective LGUs.

It was formally established in October 2001 during its ever national convention held in Cagayan de Oro, with DOT Region 10 Regional Director Catalino Chan III as its founding president.

DOT Secretary Alberto A. Lim was the keynote speaker of the convention who expressed his unwavering support to the initiatives of the association of tourism officers, who are at the forefront in promoting the different Philippine tourism destination.