Tourism / Health Archives - Street Journal Multimedia Services

DOT vows continued support to aviation, tourism infrastructure

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano represented DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in a panel discussion during the second day of the 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit on Thursday (Oct. 9) at the Marriott Hotel Manila. The discussion explored progressive opportunities to support the growth and sustainability of the country’s aviation industry, such as developing a comprehensive aviation master plan, strengthening public-private partnerships, and seeking visionary investors and entrepreneurs to drive the market forward. Speaking on behalf of the Tourism Chief, Undersecretary Tamano reaffirmed the department’s commitment in continuing its partnerships with other government agencies and private stakeholders to further position the Philippines as an accessible and leading tourist destination. “The country is number one in terms of domestic tourism in the whole Southeast Asian region. So, we can say that domestic business is good for our airlines and our airports that are now run by our private partners, so we continue to help in infrastructure, not only our airports, but also our roads from airports leading to new people’s destinations,” Undersecretary Tamano stated. Earlier in the Summit, Secretary Frasco delivered her key address, highlighting the vital role of the tourism and aviation sectors in making the Philippines a safe, inclusive, and accessible destination for the global market. Organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), the two-day Philippine Aviation Summit is a gathering of leaders, government officials, and stakeholders from all around the world to discuss progressive policies and future opportunities aimed at further improving the aviation sector. The panel discussion was moderated by Airline Operators Council Chairman Edgar Allan Nepomuceno and were joined by Lieutenant General Raul Del Rosario from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Ludwig Daza from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Carlos Luis Fernandez from the Philippine Airlines, Helene Burger from Airbus, Joseph Alcazar from the Clark International Airport Corporation, Athanasios Titonis from the Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, and Stefano Baroncini from Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

Baguio City bags six awards at ATOP Pearl Awards 2025

Baguio City, Tourism / Health

Baguio City, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Summer Capital bagged six national awards from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards 2025, held at the Hotel Supreme, Baguio City, on October 2. The awards are in recognition of the city’s solidification of its reputation as a creative, cultural, and sustainable tourism hub. The event was attended by top tourism officials in the country, local government representatives, industry leaders, and stakeholders for an evening of honor and celebration. The event was graced by DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, who spearheaded the unique programs and best practices that continue to elevate the standards of Philippine tourism. The city, along with tourism stakeholders, proudly won six national awards this year, which include: Best Event Hosting: International Event (HUC Category), 1st Runner-Up – World Ikat Textile Symposium (WITS) Best Event Hosting: Local Event (HUC Category), 1st Runner-Up – 2024 Spring Festival Best Sports Tourism Event (HUC Category), 1st Runner-Up – 2024 Sang-atan Bike Festival Best Tourism Event: Cultural Festival (HUC Category), 2nd Runner-Up – Ibagiw Creative Festival 2024 Best Practices in Community-Based Tourism (HUC Category), 2nd Runner-Up – Ili-Likha Artists’ Watering Hole Best Institutionalized Culture and Arts Program (HUC Category), 2nd Runner-Up – Community Artscape “Dugad Mi” According to the Baguio Tourism Council, these recognitions reflect the city’s strong partnership between local government, cultural communities, and creative industries. industry, all working together to celebrate heritage, promote inclusivity, and promote sustainable tourism practices. Baguio City is proud to be a recipient of the ATOP Pearl Awards 2025, not only as a multi-awardee but also as the gracious host of this year’s celebration. With six new recognitions, the city reaffirms its role as a beacon of culture, creativity, and innovation in the country’s tourism landscape.

Burnham Lake, isasara ng 180 days

Baguio City, Tourism / Health

Baguio City, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Ang kinagigiliwang boat ride ng mga turista sa Burnham Lake, Baguio City ay pansamantalang maaudlot para bigyan daan ang rehabilitation nito simula bukas, Oktubre 1. Ang pagsasara ng Burnham lake ay bahagi ng Burnham Park Master Plan na naglalayong mapabuti ang kasalukuyang kalagayan sa pamamagitan ng apat na yugto kung saan ang unang yugto ay nagsisimula sa lawa upang mapabuti ang kalidad ng tubig at ayusin ang mga nakapaligid na lugar. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na ang iconic na lawa ay isasara para sa mga turista at residente mula noong unang pagtatayo nito noong 1904. Ang Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), na siyang magpopondo at mamumuno sa plano, katuwang ang City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), ay nagbigay ng paunang badyet para sa phase one at karagdagang pagpopondo hanggang sa phase four. Sinabi ni CEPMO Engineer II Jaquilyn Tino na target ng unang yugto na mapabuti ang lawa at ang mga nakapaligid na lugar nito, na may mga pagsasaayos kasama ang karagdagang viewing o seating area. Pagpapabuti ng docking area ng mga bangka at gagawa ng retaining wall “Actually, lalampas ang [retaining wall] patungo sa lake, mababawasan ang existing width ng lake, probably five meters, kasi from the retaining wall to the side walk, doon na tayo gagawa ng seating area,” ayon kay Tino. Ang ikalawang yugto ay tututuon sa pagsasaayos ng bangketa, ang ikatlong yugto ay tatalakayin ang parke ng mga bata at ang Skating Rink para sa ikaapat at huling yugto ng proyekto. Sinabi ni Tino na ang phase two at ang natitira ay kasalukuyang nasa kanilang preparation phase at plano nilang tapusin ang panukala para sa phase two hanggang four at ihanda na ito para sa bidding sa susunod na taon. Aniya, nagsimula ang plano sa pagpapaunlad noong 2019 at si Mayor Benjamin Magalong ay lumikha din ng isang teknikal na grupo para bumuo ng isang disenyo na pagkatapos ay ipinasa sa TIEZA para sa mga komento at pag-apruba at isinama sa naaprubahang plano. Ayon sa CEPMO walang tiyak na petsa ang development plan kung kailan ito gagawin ngunit ang phase one na iyon ay target na makumpleto sa loob ng 180 araw o sa Abril 2026. Ang rehabilitasyon ay mangangailangan ng kabuuang pagsasara, paliwanag ni Tino, “hanggang sa matapos ang unang yugto, walang plano para sa bahagyang pagbubukas dahil kakailanganin nating alisan ng tubig ang tubig at punuin itong muli.” Pinapayuhan ang publiko na iwasan ang lugar sa panahon ng rehabilitasyon para sa kanilang kaligtasan at tiyakin ang mabilis at ganap na pagpapatupad ng rehabilitasyon.

Sampaloc Lake, pagpapahingahin ng 45-araw

Region 4, Tourism / Health

Region 4, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna — Pansamantalang ipapahinga ang Sampaloc Lake area sa San Pablo City bilang bahagi ng pagsisikap na makabawi at mapangalagaan ang lawa at ang kapaligiran nito, simula Oktubre 1 hanggang Nobyembre 15, 2025. Ito ay ayon sa anunsyo mula sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at Pamahalaang Lungsod ng San Pablo. Layunin ng panahong ito na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng publiko, panatilihin ang kaayusan at kalinisan, at maihanda ang Sampaloc Lake bilang isang pangunahing yaman at atraksyon para sa mga mamamayan at turista. Habang nasa temporary rest period, magkakaroon ng mga sumusunod na gawain: Pagkukumpuni ng kalsada ng DPWH sa paligid ng lawa Pagsusuri ng City Engineering Office para maiwasan ang posibleng pagguho ng lupa Pagpupungos ng mga puno mula sa City Environment and Natural Resources Office upang maiwasan ang pagbagsak ng mga sanga o kahoy Pagsusuri ng Bureau of Fire Protection sa mga bahay at gusali para maiwasan ang sunog Pagsasaayos ng mga pasyalan sa pangunguna ng City Tourism Office Pagpapatupad ng City Traffic Management Office ng mga batas kontra sagabal sa kalsada at pagpaplano ng daloy ng trapiko Pakikipagtulungan ng City Solid Waste Management Office at mga barangay para sa mas maayos na koleksyon ng basura Pagpapatupad ng Linis Lawa Program ng Friends of Seven Lakes Foundation kasama ang mga organisasyong pangkomunidad, mga boluntaryo, FARMC, at mga barangay sa paligid ng lawa, Ayon sa DPWH at lungsod, papayagang makapasok ang mga residente, rehistradong bisita, mangingisda, negosyante, at mga kostumer ng mga establisimyento na may permit. Pinahihintulutan din ang jogging at paglalakad sa mga ligtas na lugar, subalit mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang malalaking pagtitipon tulad ng fun run at konsiyerto. Magtatalaga ng bantay mula sa PNP at mga barangay tanod upang masiguro ang pagsunod sa mga patakaran. Hinihiling ng DPWH at Pamahalaang Lungsod ang kooperasyon ng lahat para maging matagumpay ang proyekto, na naglalayong mapanatili ang kagandahan at kalinisan ng Sampaloc Lake para sa susunod pang mga henerasyon. (CI San Pablo)

Planting Pride, Harvesting opportunities for Benguet

CAR, Tourism / Health

CAR, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

BENGUET, Philippines — The Department of Tourism–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT–CAR), in coordination with the Provincial Government of Benguet, successfully conducted the Philippine Farms Orientation Program: Planting the Seeds of Agritourism last September 11, 2025 for Benguet farm owners. This one-day training brought together 37 participants consisting of local farm owners, cooperatives, and tourism stakeholders who share the vision of transforming agriculture into a sustainable tourism experience. By merging farming with tourism, we not only strengthen the local economy but also cultivate a deeper appreciation of our culture, heritage, and natural resources. Through insightful discussions on the global and local agritourism landscape, coupled with inspiring farm tourism success stories, participants are now better equipped to elevate their farms as platforms for storytelling, sustainability, and authentic Cordilleran hospitality. Together, we mark this milestone as a step toward greater opportunities for our people, pride for our communities, and unforgettable memories for our visitors.

3rd Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit in Subic Bay Freeport concluded

Region 3, Tourism / Health

Region 3, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – This premier Freeport recently concluded the 3rd Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) last September 12, 2025. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded organizers and participants for the resounding success of the three-day event, which ran from September 10 to 12, 2025. Themed “Building Green Legacies: Sustaining Nature, Celebrating Culture, and Empowering Industry,” the summit was well-attended by business leaders and communities who plan to shape the Freeport and the rest of Central Luzon into a greener, more inclusive future. Aliño gave his presentation on “Sustainable Subic: Tracking the Race to Zero,” which discussed the plight of Subic Bay Freeport’s bid to become the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the country. He said that the agency’s first move was to map out the SBMA’s pathway to carbon neutrality, which entailed turning over of solar-assisted electric vehicle charging stations for the e-buses, and regular community-based projects and activities such as coastal cleanups and collecting recyclables. “We aim to make sustainable Subic stakeholder engagements, initiatives, and activities like these a way of life here in Subic Bay,” he added. During the summit, distinguished guests namely, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Maria Esperanza Frasco, DOT Director for Office of Film and Sports Tourism and concurrent OIC Region IV-B Director Roberto P. Alabado III, DOT Region III Director Richard G. Daenos, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region III Executive Director Engr. Ralph C. Pablo, all expressed their full support for the summit. The three-day activity included a trade expo of local products, various ecotours of “green” destinations, and lectures on “Heritage Conservation: Living Traditions in the Modern World” by UP Cebu’s Dr. Laya B. Gonzales, and “From Relics to Relevance: Museum as Custodians of Archeology, History, and Heritage for Sustainable Development” by National Museum of the Philippines Dr. Michael P. Canilao. Also, a lecture on “Green Infrastructure: Designing Cities that Breathe” was given by Philippine Green Building Initiative Arch. Michaela Rosette M. Santos-Tayag, followed by “From Plate to Planet: Food waste, Recycling and the Power of Segregation” by Zed Avecilla of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), Rina Papio and Nikki Sevilla of the Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (PASS). The summit wrapped up with more lectures from Philippine Institute for Development Studies Dr. John Paulo Rivera on “Youth in Sustainability: Shaping tomorrow’s Green Leaders” and “Sustainable Tourism: Protecting Underwater Cultural Wonders while Welcoming the World” by National Museum of the Philippines Curator Bobby Orillaneda. The entire event was highlighted by the Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards to honor champions of sustainability in the tourism industry.

Cebu Pacific Receives Excellence Award at DOT’s 1st Philippine Tourism Awards

Lifestyle, Tourism / Health

Lifestyle, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, was conferred with the “Tourism Industry Excellence Award” at the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards, in recognition of the airline’s vital role in advancing Philippine tourism. CEB was one of only two Philippine companies to receive this prestigious distinction for its pioneering initiatives that helped democratize air travel in the Philippines and for its significant contributions to the growth and development of the country’s tourism industry. During the awards ceremony, CEB was recognized for revolutionizing budget travel since 1996 by making flying affordable and accessible to every Juan and driving domestic tourism to new heights. CEB Director for Marketing Michelle Eve De Guzman and CEB Director for Passenger Sales and Distribution Arlene Tena accepted the award on behalf of the airline during the ceremony held at Okada Manila on September 8. “We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Department of Tourism. Since day one, our mission has been to make flying accessible to every Juan, because we believe that tourism has the power to uplift communities and strengthen our economy. This recognition affirms our commitment to continue offering low fares, connecting cities and countries, and creating opportunities for our valued passengers to discover the Philippines, one island at a time,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. The Philippine Tourism Awards is part of DOT’s national recognition program for individuals, enterprises, and organizations driving the country’s tourism development. Awardees were drawn from across multiple categories, including hotels and resorts, tour operators, transport providers, MICE venues, community-based tourism groups, and media. “Your success is our nation’s pride. You are proof that the Filipino spirit of hospitality, innovation, and perseverance can carry our nation forward. Today, we honor you, but in truth, it is our country that is honored by your work,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco told the awardees. “You are the bearers of the good of our country, showing through your work your compassion, your creativity, and your grace that you are the true face of the Philippine tourism. Your triumph is not yours alone, for it is also the triumph of the communities you uplift and the lives that you transform.” For nearly three decades, Cebu Pacific has been at the forefront of making air travel more affordable and accessible for every Juan, expanding connectivity to underserved destinations while consistently rolling out seat sales and promotions that empower more Filipinos to travel. Today, CEB operates to over 60 destinations, including the country’s widest domestic network of 37 local destinations across its hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, Davao, and Iloilo, and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. A pioneer in low-cost travel, CEB introduced the highly-anticipated “Piso Sale”—a breakthrough pricing strategy that continues to make flying within the Philippines and overseas more attainable for millions of travelers. Beyond low fares, the airline has steadily invested in network expansion and customer experience to further support tourism and economic growth.

Ang mukha sa likod ng tagumpay ng turismo sa Balbalan

Lifestyle, Tourism / Health

Lifestyle, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

Kwento n Regine Faye Munda Cruz KALINGA, Philippines — Kung dati ay nakikita lamang sa ibang lugar ang mga kilalang tourist and caving destinations, ngayon ay mayroon na rin sa Balbalan, ang Tawang Caves, Balbalasang Eco-Park, at kung anu-ano pa. Isa itong malinaw na patunay ng dedikasyon at pagsisikap ng Tourism Officer ng bayan, si Regine Faye D. Munda Cruz. Simula pa noong 2017, nasilayan ng marami ang kanyang pag-unlad bilang isang empleyado ng lokal na pamahalaan. Espesyal din ang ulat na ito, dahil naksalamuha ko siya simula pa noon. Nasaksihan ko ang kanyang pagsimula, hanggang ngayon na nakikita ko siya sa tuwing may mga karangalan na natatanggap ang Balbalan. Mula sa pagiging casual worker, hanggang sa pagkatalaga bilang unang permanenteng Tourism Operations Officer II ng LGU Balbalan, hindi matatawaran ang kanyang naging ambag. Sa likod ng mga parangal na natanggap ng Balbalan dahil sa turismo, tahimik ngunit matatag ang kanyang papel, siya ang isa sa mga pangunahing dahilan ng pagkakaroon ng makabuluhang pagbabago sa sektor ng turismo ng bayan. ð€ð§ð ðˆð§ð¬ð©ð¢ð«ðšð¬ð²ð¨ð§ ðšð ð’ð¢ð¦ð®ð¥ðš Hindi sa eskwela o training natutunan ni Regine ang tunay na diwa ng serbisyo publiko, kundi mula mismo sa kanyang ina, na isang doktor na naglingkod hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng medisina kundi ng malasakit. Ang halimbawa ng kanyang ina ang naging gabay ni Regine sa pagtahak ng landas ng pagiging isang lingkod bayan. Nang siya ay italaga bilang unang Tourism Officer ng Balbalan, halos wala pang malinaw na estruktura, plano, o direksyon para sa turismo. Kinailangan niyang magsimula mula sa wala, maglatag ng pundasyon, at buuin ang opisina ng Turismo, Kultura, at Sining. Hindi naging madali ang lahat; dumaan siya sa pagsubok, pagtutol, at pagdududa ng ilan. Ngunit sa kanyang determinasyon, lakas ng loob, at pananampalataya, unti-unti niyang naitatag ang posisyon ng turismo sa Balbalan. ð“ð®ð«ð¢ð¬ð¦ð¨ ð©ðšð«ðš ð¬ðš ðŠð¨ð¦ð®ð§ð¢ððšð Naniniwala si Regine na ang turismo ay hindi lamang para sa turista, kundi higit sa lahat ay para sa mga tao sa komunidad. Dahil dito, kanyang pinasimulan ang quarterly dialogues kasama ang mga stakeholders, isang plataporma upang maiparating ng mga lokal ang kanilang hinaing, suhestiyon, at obserbasyon. Ang ganitong sistemang pakikilahok ang nagpatibay sa ugnayan ng pamahalaan at komunidad, at nagsigurong ang turismo sa Balbalan ay magiging inclusive at sustainable. Isang kongkretong bunga nito ay ang Tawang Caves. Noong 2019, ito’y pangarap lamang, ngunit sa pamamagitan ng tamang pagpaplano at suporta mula sa lokal na pamahalaan at mga residente, ngayon ay dinarayo na ito ng mga turista. Higit pa sa atraksyon, nagbigay ito ng bagong kabuhayan para sa mga residente, isang tagumpay na nagpatibay sa paniniwalang ang turismo ay para sa lahat. ðˆð¬ðšð§ð ð‡ð®ð°ðšð«ðšð§ð ð‹ð¢ð§ð ð¤ð¨ð ððšð²ðšð§ð¢ Hindi maikakaila na si Regine ay hindi lamang isang epektibong Tourism Officer kundi isang huwarang lingkod bayan. Pinagsasama niya ang talino, ganda, tapang at mabuting kalooban, mga katangiang bihira nang matagpuan sa panahon ngayon. Para sa kanya, ang serbisyo publiko ay hindi basta trabaho na may katumbas na sahod. Ito ay isang panata ng paglilingkod na nangangailangan ng integridad, kababaang-loob, at pusong handang mag-alay para sa kapwa. Sa kanyang pamumuno, hinahamon niya ang kanyang mga kasamahan na lumago, sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay sa kanila ng mga tungkuling magpapatatag ng kanilang kakayahan. Naniniwala siya na ang totoong paglago ay nangyayari kapag ang tao ay pinagkakatiwalaan na gumawa ng higit pa sa kanyang inaakala. ððšð§ð ðšð«ðšð© ð©ðšð«ðš ð¬ðš ð’ðžð«ð›ð¢ð¬ð²ð¨ ðð®ð›ð¥ð¢ð¤ð¨ Sa kanyang pananaw, ang tunay na halaga ng isang lingkod bayan ay hindi nasusukat sa posisyon kundi sa sinseridad ng kanyang serbisyo. Pangarap ni Regine ang isang pamahalaang malinis, tapat, at walang pansariling interes, isang gobyernong ang tunay na puhunan ay malasakit sa tao. Ngayon, tuwing may nakikitang turista sa Tawang Caves, Balbalasang Eco-park o tuwing nabibigyan ng parangal ang bayan ng Balbalan, isang bagay ang tiyak: sa likod nito ay may isang lingkod bayan na buong puso at tahimik na nagsusumikap, si Regine Faye Munda Cruz, isang Lingkod Bayani ng Balbalan. Ipagpatuloy mo lang Maam Reg, marami ang umaasa at nakaabang sa lahat ng iyong kayang gawin.

2025 Ibalong Festival Street Dance winners

Region 5, Tourism / Health

Region 5, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay,Philippines — The vibrant streets of Legazpi erupted in celebration as Tribu Pulang-Angui from Polangui claimed the coveted title of grand winner at the 2025 Ibalong Festival Street Dance Competition, recently The group wowed judges and spectators alike, earning them the top prize of P500,000. The competition, showcased the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of various tribes from across Albay. Tribu Pulang-Angui distinguished itself through their powerful dance rituals, captivating music, dynamic costumes, earning accolades in multiple categories including Best in Street Dance and Best in Dance Ritual Interpretation. Securing second place was Tribung Licau from Ligao City, which received P300,000, while Tribung Bikolnon from Legazpi City took home P200,000 for third place. The event also recognized outstanding groups in special awards such as Best in Music and Sound, Best in Costume, and others. The success of Tribu Pulang-Angui not only highlights their artistic excellence but also celebrates the enduring cultural traditions of the Bicolano community.

Tourism / Health