Department of Tourism - NIR

17/05/2026

NATIONAL HERITAGE MONTH

The German Unson Heritage House was built in 1938 by German Locsin Unson when he married Fe dela Rama Ledesma. The house sits on a 2,600 square meter property.

After the passing of its last occupant, Lourdes “Uding” Unson, in 2005, the house fell into disrepair. It was later restored and officially opened in 2016 as a bed-and-breakfast.

17/05/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟯𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

The Department of Tourism – Western Visayas and Negros Island Region proudly participated in the 35th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Bacolod City.

The Visayas Area Business Conference is one of PCCI’s major regional gatherings that convenes business leaders, industry stakeholders, government agencies, local government units, and development partners across the Visayas to discuss key economic issues, investment opportunities, innovation, sustainability, and regional development strategies.

During the conference, Regional Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez shared the current tourism landscape, opportunities, and challenges confronting Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region amidst the various crises and uncertainties affecting the country—including rising fuel costs, transport and logistics concerns, climate-related risks, and global economic pressures.

The presentation emphasized the need for a tourism industry that is not only growth-oriented, but also resilient, sustainable, smarter, and future-ready.

Discussions highlighted the strong recovery and continued growth of tourism in Western Visayas and NIR, the importance of cluster-based and circuit tourism development, digitalization, sustainability, local supply chains, and stronger partnerships between government and the private sector. Opportunities in gastronomy, MICE, wellness, dive, creative, heritage, farm, and community-based tourism were likewise presented as key growth areas for investment and collaboration.

The presentation also reinforced the vision of “One Visayas” — promoting shared itineraries, shared markets, stronger inter-island connectivity, and deeper regional cooperation to increase visitor movement, length of stay, and tourism spending across the Visayas.

We are honored that the presentation served as one of the references used by members of PCCI and the Visayas Island-Chambers Tourism Alliance (VITA) as they begin plotting the tourism roadmap for the Visayas.

Together, we continue to move forward toward a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry for the Visayas and the Philippines.

16/05/2026

14/05/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐓-𝐍𝐈𝐑 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧-𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

In celebration of Month of the Ocean 2026, the Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region (DOT-NIR) joined the coastal and underwater clean-up activity conducted in the coastal area of Brgy. Piapi, Dumaguete City, spearheaded by the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental.

The activity serves as a meaningful reminder that protecting our oceans and marine life is a shared responsibility. As we continue to promote the beauty of our destinations, we also support efforts that help preserve our beaches, seas, and coastal communities for future generations.

Through initiatives like this, DOT-NIR strengthens its commitment to sustainable tourism and supports Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, which promotes the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans and marine resources.

Together, even small actions can create lasting and meaningful impact for our environment. 💙🌎

14/05/2026

14/05/2026

TIEZA-Funded Hyperbaric Chamber Center Set to Strengthen Dauin’s Dive Tourism Industry

The Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region (DOT-NIR) conducted an ocular inspection of the TIEZA-funded Hyperbaric Chamber Center in the Municipality of Dauin on May 5, 2026.

The visit also included discussions with the local government on initiatives to further strengthen Dauin’s dive tourism industry and enhance tourism opportunities in the municipality.

“Through the establishment of the Hyperbaric Chamber Center, we hope to further strengthen diver safety and emergency response services in Dauin, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s premier diving destinations. This facility will play a vital role in promoting sustainable and responsible dive tourism while enhancing the confidence and overall experience of both local and international divers,” said DOT-NIR Regional Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez.

Once operational, the facility is expected to provide critical support services for divers and contribute to the sustainable growth and competitiveness of Dauin’s tourism industry.

13/05/2026

DOT-NIR Strengthens Digital Governance through Planning and Financial System Orientation

DOT-NIR personnel participated in a two-day orientation on the unified Planning and Financial Information System on May 11–12, 2026, at Manhattan Suites, Dumaguete City.

Facilitated by the DOT Planning Service, the activity introduced personnel to the system designed to streamline planning and financial processes, including the management of related documents, transactions, and reports.

This initiative supports the NTDP 2023–2028 strategic goal on digitalization, advancing more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven governance in tourism.

13/05/2026

12/05/2026

𝐒𝐈𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐈𝐍!

The Department of Tourism – Negros Island Region proudly congratulates Siquijor State College for being declared National Champion of the Tourism Start-Up Challenge 2025, securing the ₱5-million Project Implementation Grant.

Through its winning project, “SiquiScan: Smart Destination Management System for Sustainable Tourism in the Island of Siquijor,” SSC bested higher education institutions across the country and showcased the talent, creativity, and innovation of the Negros Island Region.

This milestone highlights how technology, local ingenuity, and youth-led innovation can strengthen destination management, enhance visitor experience, and advance sustainable tourism.

DOT-NIR commends the brilliant student innovators, dedicated mentors, and the entire SSC community for bringing pride and honor to Siquijor and the whole Negros Island Region.

Congratulations, SSC! Your victory is a victory for Siquijor and Negros Island Region Tourism.

Siquijor State College
Siquijor Tourism
Municipality of Siquijor

09/05/2026

Mother’s Day is a heartfelt reminder to celebrate the incredible women who nurture, guide, and love without limits. 💐

From the smallest acts of care to lifelong sacrifices, mothers carry a strength that holds families together through every season.

To all inahan, nanay, mama, and mother figures, today is for you, with deep gratitude and appreciation for everything you are and everything you continue to be.

Happy Mother’s Day. 🤍

09/05/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐓–𝐍𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰

On May 7, DOT–NIR conducted an Orientation on the Bawal Bastos Law, in partnership with the Gender and Development Research and Resource Center (GADRRC) of the Province of Negros Oriental.

Also known as the Safe Spaces Act or Republic Act No. 11313, the Bawal Bastos Law seeks to protect individuals from gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, workplaces, educational and training institutions, and online platforms. It promotes respect, dignity, and safety by encouraging communities and workplaces to be free from catcalling, unwanted remarks, discrimination, and other forms of inappropriate behavior.

This initiative is aligned with the Office of the President’s Utos, Sundin, Palakpak (USP) Framework theme for May 4–10, “Making Daily Life Better with Livable Communities,” and reaffirms DOT–NIR’s commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and respectful spaces for all.