EASTERN SAMAR, Philippines — The San Gabriel Eco-Tourism Association (SGETA) is making waves in community-based tourism with its Kaputian Falls Eco-Tourism Park Amenities and Souvenirs Project being recognized as the Eastern Samar Provincial Winner and 1st Runner-Up in the Group Category of the prestigious 2025 DOLE Regional Kabuhayan Awards.

The awarding ceremony was held at Summit Hotels, Tacloban City, last August 29, highlighting the best livelihood initiatives across Eastern Visayas supported under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 8.

SGETA’s eco-tourism initiative, based in Barangay San Gabriel, Borongan City, stood out among regional entries for its sustainable approach to livelihood generation, environmental conservation, and community empowerment.

The award, which includes a plaque of recognition and a corresponding cash prize of Php 30,000 for the First Runner-Up, was received by Charisse May Loquine, a representative of both Lois Bianca Limbauan-Agda, Head of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Borongan, and Borongan City Mayor Dayan Agda.