LA UNION, Philippines — Known for its centuries-old churches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ilocos Region turns a new leaf as Benjamin D. Manahan Jr. takes on the helm of Department of Tourism (DOT) ‘s Region 1.

A seasoned marketing, event, and business development professional, Manahan took his oath before Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco at the DOT Central Office in Makati on Wednesday, January 7.

The newly appointed official is taking over a thriving tourism portfolio of Region 1. As of September 2025, the Ilocos Region recorded 1.253 million tourist arrivals, generating an estimated two billion in tourism receipts.