https://www.facebook.com/731196553403116/

Association of Tourism Workers of Negros Occidental

Home
Philippines
Bacolod CIty
Association of Tourism Workers of Negros Occidental

Directions

This is the official page of the Tourism and Cultural Workers of Negros Occidental, Philippines

24/10/2026

𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗰 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

Negros Occidental brought home major recognitions at the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards held last night in Ormoc City, Leyte, showcasing the province’s excellence in tourism promotions, sustainable tourism, community-based tourism, and event hosting.

The Negros Island Region delegation earned awards through the Negros Occidental Tourism Division and the cities of Sipalay, Sagay, Bacolod, and Bago, highlighting the province’s diverse tourism offerings, creative initiatives, and commitment to sustainable destination development.

𝗡𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗦 𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡
(Province Level)
🥈 1st Runner-up
Best Tourism Promotions Brochure
Sabor sang Buglas: Food Guide of Negros Occidental

𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗬
(Component City Level)
🏆 GRAND WINNER
🏆 GRAND SLAM AWARD (for being Grand Winner for three consecutive years from 2024, 2025, 2026)
Best Tourism Month/Week Celebration
19th Sipalay City Tourism Month Celebration
🥈 1st Runner-up
Best Practices on Sustainable Tourism
Sipalay City Green BEaCH – A Climate Resiliency Park
🥉 2nd Runner-up
Best Tourism-Oriented LGU
Sipalay City: Sustainability Beyond the Shoreline

𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗬
(Component City Level)
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best Tourism Souvenir (Non-Food)
From Waste to Wear: Bilidhon Upcycled Accessories
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best Tourism Promotions Brochure
Sagay City Tourism Brochure
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best Practices in Community-Based Tourism
A Maze of Wonders, A Lifeline for All: The Lapus-Lapus Community-Based Tourism Story

𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗗
(Highly Urbanized City Level)
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best International Event Hosting
Terra Madre Asia and Pacific
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best Local Event Hosting
Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival: Fire and Fusion
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best Tourism Promotions Brochure
Bacolod City: Your Pocket Guide to Experience the City of Smiles
🥈 1st Runner-up
Best Sports Tourism Event
Masskaralympics 2025
🥈 1st Runner-up
Best Tourism Event – Cultural Festival
Bacolod MassKara Festival 2025

𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗢
(Component City Level)
🥉 2nd Runner-up
Best Practices in Community-Based Tourism
Slow Food Community: Safeguard and Promote the Food and Cultural Heritage of Bago

22/10/2026

Negros Occidental wins big at ATOP Pearl Awards in Ormoc City

Negros Occidental brought home major recognitions at the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards held last night in Ormoc City, Leyte, showcasing the province’s excellence in tourism promotions, sustainable tourism, community-based tourism, and event hosting.

The Negros Island Region delegation earned awards through the Negros Occidental Tourism Division and the cities of Sipalay, Sagay, Bacolod, and Bago, highlighting the province’s diverse tourism offerings, creative initiatives, and commitment to sustainable destination development.

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL TOURISM DIVISION
(Province Level)
🥈 1st Runner-up
Best Tourism Promotions Brochure
Sabor sang Buglas: Food Guide of Negros Occidental

CITY OF SIPALAY
(Component City Level)
🏆 GRAND WINNER
🏆 GRAND SLAM AWARD (for being Grand Winner for three consecutive years from 2024, 2025, 2026)
Best Tourism Month/Week Celebration
19th Sipalay City Tourism Month Celebration
🥈 1st Runner-up
Best Practices on Sustainable Tourism
Sipalay City Green BEaCH – A Climate Resiliency Park
🥉 2nd Runner-up
Best Tourism-Oriented LGU
Sipalay City: Sustainability Beyond the Shoreline

CITY OF SAGAY
(Component City Level)
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best Tourism Souvenir (Non-Food)
From Waste to Wear: Bilidhon Upcycled Accessories
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best Tourism Promotions Brochure
Sagay City Tourism Brochure
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best Practices in Community-Based Tourism
A Maze of Wonders, A Lifeline for All: The Lapus-Lapus Community-Based Tourism Story

CITY OF BACOLOD
(Highly Urbanized City Level)
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best International Event Hosting
Terra Madre Asia and Pacific
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best Local Event Hosting
Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival: Fire and Fusion
🏆 GRAND WINNER
Best Tourism Promotions Brochure
Bacolod City: Your Pocket Guide to Experience the City of Smiles
🥈 1st Runner-up
Best Sports Tourism Event
Masskaralympics 2025
🥈 1st Runner-up
Best Tourism Event – Cultural Festival
Bacolod MassKara Festival 2025

CITY OF BAGO
(Component City Level)
🥉 2nd Runner-up
Best Practices in Community-Based Tourism
Slow Food Community: Safeguard and Promote the Food and Cultural Heritage of Bago

21/10/2026

ABANSE NEGRENSE! 🫶🏼💚

21/10/2026

Abanse Negrense in Ormoc! 💚👍🏼

Officers of the Association of Tourism Officers of Negros Occidental (ATWoNO) and tourism officers from across the Negros Occidental and Siquijor, join the ATOP National Convention in Ormoc City, Leyte, representing the Negros Island Region in the largest gathering of tourism officers and some stakeholders from across the country.

The delegation comes together to exchange best practices, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to sustainable tourism development, bringing with them the rich culture, diverse destinations, and warm hospitality that define the Negros Island Region.

Also, during the opening ceremony, Jerick Lacson, Tourism Officer of Sipalay City and ATOP Vice President for the Visayas, was present as part of the NIR delegation.

Mabuhay ang Turismo! Abanse Negros Island Region!

Photos courtesy of City Government of Ormoc

03/10/2026

A look back at the Culture Hub Learning Tour of the 2nd Negros Occidental Tourism Summit 2026.

From a morning walk around the Capitol Park and Lagoon, to discovering stories at HOPEtopia Children’s Museum, getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Merzci, and experiencing Negros’ heritage at Balay ni Tana Dicang and the San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church in Talisay City.

The experience was added with a rolling tour around Bacolod and Silay—bringing participants closer to the places, people, stories, flavors, and heritage that make Negros a destination worth experiencing.

_________________________________
MULTIMEDIA | Messy Angles x Rod Michael D. Gumban
VENUE | STI West Negros University
HOST | Dani Dingcong
EXPERIENTIAL TOUR | Negros Culture Hub Tours Silay City Tourism Bago City Tourism Affairs City Tourism

MADAMO NGA SALAMAT
Negros Occidental Provincial Government
Governor B**g Lacson
Atty Rayfrando P. Diaz II
Negros Occidental Tourism Division
STI-West Negros University
Bacolod City Tourism Office

𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹
o Governor Eugenio Jose “B**g” Lacson
o Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso “Joeben” A. Alonso
o Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II
𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
o OIC Provincial Tourism Officer Mr. Raymond Alunan
𝗦𝗧𝗜 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆
o Dr. Ryan S. Molina, University President
o Dr. Hannie Eve B. Garces
𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 - 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗡𝗜𝗥)
o Regional Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez
𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗱
o Mayor Greg Gasataya
o Ms. Ma. Terese Manalili, Bacolod City Tourism Officer

𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗦 𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟
• All 32 LGUs of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City

𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦
• Office of Congressman and Special Committee Chair on Creative Industries Hon. Javier Miguel L. Benitez
• Office of Board Member and Committee Chair on Tourism Hon. Arthur Christopher D. Maranon
• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
• National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
• Department of Information and Communications Technology - Negros Island Region (DICT NIR)

𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗦
• Punta Bulata Resort and Spa through Sir Kiko Alejandro
• Merczi / CM & Sons Food Products, Inc. through Ms. Femmy Lee Magbanua
Sponsors
• Hon. Alfredo III D. Marañon — District Representative, 2nd District of Negros Occidental
• Hon. Javier Miguel L. Benitez – District Representative, 3rd District of Negros Occidental
• Hon. Emilio Bernardino L. Yulo — District Representative, 5th District of Negros Occidental
• Hon. Jeffrey P. Ferrer — District Representative, 4th District of Negros Occidental
• Hon. Arthur Christopher D. Marañon — Provincial Board Member, 2nd District of Negros Occidental; Chairperson, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism

𝗦𝗧𝗜 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗡𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗦 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬
• Dr. Ryan S. Molina, University President
• College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Dr. Hannie Eve B. Garces, Dean
• Student volunteers
• Teacher volunteers

𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 (𝗔𝗧𝗪𝗢𝗡𝗢)
• PRESIDENT, Jerick H. Lacson of Sipalay City
• VICE-PRESIDEN, Helen A. Cutillar of Sagay City
• SECRETARY, Mae Ann B. Furtos of Bago City
• ASST. SECRETARY, Eunica Janine G. Cabayao of Mun. of Manapla
• TREASURER, Marian Rica B. Calseña of Victorias City
• ASST. TREASURER, Karl King R. Esmeralda of Mun. of Candoni
• AUDITOR, Rommel C. Gensaya of Himamaylan City
• PIO, Mark Oliver M. Canobis of Mun. of Cauayan

• DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES
• DISTRICT 1, Amirose B. Lavilla of Mun. of Calatrava
• DISTRICT 2, Julie Grace B. Dominguez of Cadiz City
• DISTRICT 3, Gerle H. Sumalca of Silay City
• DISTRICT 4, Karen L. Aguirre of La Carlota City
• DISTRICT 5, Kathleen L. Aguirre of Mun. of Binalbagan
• DISTRICT 6, Bryan Neil U. Piojo, Mun. of Ilog
• LONE DISTRICT OF BACOLOD, Ma. Teresa Q. Manalili of Bacolod City

02/10/2026

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝗡𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗦 𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧 — 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦

Two days. One shared invitation to experience Negros.

From meaningful conversations and inspiring stories to new ideas, connections, and shared experiences, the 2nd Negros Occidental Tourism Summit 2026 brought together tourism stakeholders who continue to shape the future of tourism in the province.

𝗠𝗮𝗯𝘂𝗵𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗼!
𝗞𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗮, 𝗔𝗯𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲

_________________________________
MULTIMEDIA | Messy Angles x Rod Michael D. Gumban
VENUE | STI West Negros University
HOST | Dani Dingcong
EXPERIENTIAL TOUR | Negros Culture Hub Tours Silay City Tourism Bago City Tourism Affairs City Tourism

MADAMO NGA SALAMAT
Negros Occidental Provincial Government
Governor B**g Lacson
Atty Rayfrando P. Diaz II
Negros Occidental Tourism Division
STI-West Negros University
Bacolod City Tourism Office

𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹
o Governor Eugenio Jose “B**g” Lacson
o Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso “Joeben” A. Alonso
o Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II
𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
o OIC Provincial Tourism Officer Mr. Raymond Alunan
𝗦𝗧𝗜 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆
o Dr. Ryan S. Molina, University President
o Dr. Hannie Eve B. Garces
𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 - 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗡𝗜𝗥)
o Regional Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez
𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗱
o Mayor Greg Gasataya
o Ms. Ma. Terese Manalili, Bacolod City Tourism Officer

𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗦 𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗟
• All 32 LGUs of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City

𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦
• Office of Congressman and Special Committee Chair on Creative Industries Hon. Javier Miguel L. Benitez
• Office of Board Member and Committee Chair on Tourism Hon. Arthur Christopher D. Maranon
• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
• National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
• Department of Information and Communications Technology - Negros Island Region (DICT NIR)

𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗦
• Punta Bulata Resort and Spa through Sir Kiko Alejandro
• Merczi / CM & Sons Food Products, Inc. through Ms. Femmy Lee Magbanua
Sponsors
• Hon. Alfredo III D. Marañon — District Representative, 2nd District of Negros Occidental
• Hon. Javier Miguel L. Benitez – District Representative, 3rd District of Negros Occidental
• Hon. Emilio Bernardino L. Yulo — District Representative, 5th District of Negros Occidental
• Hon. Jeffrey P. Ferrer — District Representative, 4th District of Negros Occidental
• Hon. Arthur Christopher D. Marañon — Provincial Board Member, 2nd District of Negros Occidental; Chairperson, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism

𝗦𝗧𝗜 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗡𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗦 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬
• Dr. Ryan S. Molina, University President
• College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Dr. Hannie Eve B. Garces, Dean
• Student volunteers
• Teacher volunteers

𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 (𝗔𝗧𝗪𝗢𝗡𝗢)
• PRESIDENT, Jerick H. Lacson of Sipalay City
• VICE-PRESIDEN, Helen A. Cutillar of Sagay City
• SECRETARY, Mae Ann B. Furtos of Bago City
• ASST. SECRETARY, Eunica Janine G. Cabayao of Mun. of Manapla
• TREASURER, Marian Rica B. Calseña of Victorias City
• ASST. TREASURER, Karl King R. Esmeralda of Mun. of Candoni
• AUDITOR, Rommel C. Gensaya of Himamaylan City
• PIO, Mark Oliver M. Canobis of Mun. of Cauayan

• DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES
• DISTRICT 1, Amirose B. Lavilla of Mun. of Calatrava
• DISTRICT 2, Julie Grace B. Dominguez of Cadiz City
• DISTRICT 3, Gerle H. Sumalca of Silay City
• DISTRICT 4, Karen L. Aguirre of La Carlota City
• DISTRICT 5, Kathleen L. Aguirre of Mun. of Binalbagan
• DISTRICT 6, Bryan Neil U. Piojo, Mun. of Ilog
• LONE DISTRICT OF BACOLOD, Ma. Teresa Q. Manalili of Bacolod City

24/09/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗢 𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗧, 𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦! 💙

The 2nd Negros Occidental Tourism Summit 2026 has officially come to a close. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Local Government Units of Negros Occidental for being part of this meaningful gathering of tourism leaders, stakeholders, and partners.

Your continued support, active participation, and commitment to strengthening tourism in your respective communities contribute to a more connected, collaborative, and sustainable tourism industry across the province.

Let us continue to in Negros Occidental.

24/09/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗢 𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗧, 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗦!

The 2nd Negros Occidental Tourism Summit 2026 has officially come to a close. We extend our sincere appreciation to our 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗦 for their valuable support and contribution to the success of this year’s summit.

Thank you for believing in the vision of a stronger, more collaborative, and forward-looking tourism industry. We are grateful to have you as part of the 2nd Negros Occidental Tourism Summit 2026 journey!

22/09/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗢 𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗧, 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦!

The 2nd Negros Occidental Tourism Summit 2026 has officially come to a close. We extend our sincere appreciation to our 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦, for their valuable support and contribution to the success of this year’s summit.

Your partnership helped bring together tourism leaders, industry stakeholders, and partners to connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities for tourism growth in Negros Occidental. Thank you for being part of this year’s summit journey!

Address

Lacson Street
Bacolod City
6100

Website

facebook.com

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Association of Tourism Workers of Negros Occidental posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.