Tourism San Jose Official

01/08/2026

The LGU of San Jose extends its warmest congratulations to our very own kababayan, Mrs Jonnabeth Velante, for bringing pride and honor to the Philippines by winning the Best Impression Award at the Mrs. Grand International 2026! 👑🇵🇭

The people of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro proudly celebrate this well-deserved success and share in your joy and pride. Congratulations once again, and may you continue to inspire others while bringing honor to our municipality and our nation!

🇵🇭 CONGRATULATIONS, PHILIPPINES!

Winner of the Best Impression Award – Mrs Grand International 2026!

This victory reflects the unwavering love, support, and unity of every Filipino who stood behind our representative. Thank you to everyone who cast their votes and believed in Team Philippines. Together, we have once again shown the world the heart, beauty, and spirit of our nation.

Congratulations to our outstanding representative and to everyone who made this success possible!

From your Mrs Philippines International (MPI) Family

30/07/2026

SAN JOSE’S PRIDE SHINES NATIONALLY

Congratulations to LGU San Jose's Pride, Mr. Rod Franco I. Rodrigo, for being named one of the 2026 Gawad Dangal ng Bayan National Semi-Finalists under the Civil Service Commission's Gawad Lingkod Bayani!

From hundreds of nominees, he advanced from Regional Finalist to National Semi-Finalist, a testament to his dedication and exemplary public service.

We invite everyone who has worked with, collaborated with, or benefited from Mr. Rodrigo's contributions to share their first-hand feedback in support of his journey to becoming one of this year's Gawad Dangal ng Bayan Honorees.

Despite physical limitations, Mr. Rodrigo continues to break barriers through his exceptional creativity, producing impactful graphics, publication materials, and innovative ideas that have greatly benefited the Local Government Unit of San Jose and the community.

Submit your feedback on or before 12 August 2026 through the Public Feedback Form: bit.ly/2026GLBNSFsPublicFeedbackForm

You may also support Mr. Rodrigo by liking and sharing the Civil Service Commission's official posts and by submitting your feedback through the QR Code provided by the CSC.

Every meaningful testimony contributes to recognizing public servants who truly embody Puso, Dangal, at Galing para sa Bayan.

Congratulations once again, Mr. Rod Rodrigo! Your dedication continues to inspire excellence in public service and brings honor to the Local Government Unit of San Jose and the Province of Occidental Mindoro.

30/07/2026

The waters of San Jose continue to amaze us! 😍

Members of TAYUM Tamaraw SJ Freedivers encountered a rare pod of approximately 50 melon-headed whales while traveling to a dive site near Ambulong Island on July 19, a remarkable testament to the rich marine biodiversity thriving in the waters of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

This extraordinary sighting reminds us of the importance of protecting our seas and preserving the natural treasures that make our municipality a truly exceptional destination. May it inspire us all to champion marine conservation and sustainable tourism for generations to come.

🎥 Video Courtesy: TAYUM Tamaraw SJ Freedivers

Read the full story here: https://tinyurl.com/2wtyp48x

30/07/2026

23 TEs & TREs INSPECTED DURING 2ND SEMESTER JOINT OCULAR INSPECTION IN SAN JOSE

A total of 23 Tourism Enterprises (TEs) and Tourism-Related Enterprises (TREs) in the mainland barangays of San Jose underwent the 2nd Semester Joint Ocular Inspection conducted by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Jose through the Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office (MTCAO), in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Municipal Information Office (MIO), Municipal Health Office (MHO), and the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP).

The joint inspection was carried out to evaluate the operational status, facilities, and regulatory compliance of tourism establishments. The activity focused on ensuring adherence to tourism standards, environmental regulations, fire safety requirements, business permit conditions, and other local government policies. It also provided an opportunity for participating agencies to offer technical assistance and recommendations to help operators enhance the quality, safety, and sustainability of their services.

Among the establishments inspected:
• El Farm
• Lakbay Alon Beach Resort
• Kanwaling Gateway Farm
• Graceland Travel and Tours
• Prince Transient House
• Kendi Air Travel and Tours
• Tota Hotel
• Grandiya Venue and Restaurant
• Red Tomato Modern Italian (CBBD)
• Thirdy's Resto and Cafe (Jade Family Food Corporation)
• The Black Market
• 4 Ace Lodging Inn
• La Sophia Hostel
• IMC Lodging House
• Beach Front Hotel
• Royale's Harbour Inn
• G-Star Hotel
• 288 Hotel
• Kejamarenik's Private Resort
• Body Talks
• Byooty Secrets Salon and Spa
• Astrea Health and Wellness Spa
• D'forth Luminous Spa

The 2nd Semester Joint Ocular Inspection reflects the Municipality of San Jose's continuing commitment to strengthening its tourism industry through inter-agency collaboration. By ensuring compliance with established standards and promoting continuous improvement among tourism stakeholders, the initiative supports the delivery of safe, sustainable, and quality tourism services, contributing to a more competitive and visitor-friendly destination.

29/07/2026

Mrs Grand International 2026 voting solution by Eventista

29/07/2026

LINGGO NG MUSIKANG PILIPINO (LMP) 2026

The Local Government Unit of San Jose, through the Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office, joins the nationwide celebration of Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) 2026.

With this year's theme, "Musika at Himig Natin: Tradisyon, Industriya at Bagong Tinig," we celebrate the richness of Filipino music as a powerful expression of our heritage, a thriving creative industry, and a platform for emerging voices that continue to shape the nation's cultural identity.

Observed pursuant to Proclamation No. 933, s. 2014, which declares the last week of July as Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino, this annual celebration promotes and honors Original Pilipino Music (OPM) while recognizing the invaluable contributions of Filipino composers, musicians, performers, and music creators.

Together, let us continue to preserve our musical traditions, support Filipino artists, and inspire future generations through the universal language of music.

In Photo:
Desylyn S. Enano – Batang Biriterang Katutubo
Mialee P. Tanteo - Night Market Idol Season 1 Champion
Tyron Jay L. Cacayorin - Night Market Idol Season 2 Champion

23/07/2026

Tourism Development Plan Technical Working Group Conducts Tourism Site Mapping and Community Dialogues in Monteclaro and Naibuan

As part of the preparation for the formulation of the Municipality of San Jose's Tourism Development Plan, under the leadership of Mayor Rey C. Ladaga, the Tourism Development Plan Technical Working Group (TWG) conducted a series of tourism site mapping activities, community dialogues, and cultural property identification in Barangays Monteclaro and Naibuan.

The initiative forms part of the municipality's continuing efforts to establish a comprehensive, sustainable, and community-based tourism development framework. Through the Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office, the activity aimed to identify and document existing and potential tourism destinations, cultural resources, and natural attractions that may contribute to the growth of the local tourism industry.

During the field validation and tourism site mapping activities, the TWG identified several destinations with significant tourism potential.

Among these are the Bato Ili Buhid Mangyan Community in Barangay Monteclaro and the Naibuan Mangyan Community in Barangay Naibuan, both of which embody the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and way of life of the Mangyan people. The team also documented natural attractions, including Arapay Falls and several smaller waterfalls, which have strong potential for future ecotourism development.

To ensure that tourism development remains inclusive and culturally responsive, the TWG conducted community dialogues with local leaders, residents, and other stakeholders. These consultations provided an avenue for community members to share their insights, concerns, and aspirations regarding the future direction of tourism development in their respective areas.

Recognizing the importance of safeguarding Indigenous Peoples' rights and cultural heritage, the TWG also prioritized consultations with the Mangyan communities. The discussions focused on ensuring that future tourism initiatives will not lead to the exploitation or misrepresentation of Indigenous culture, traditions, and knowledge systems.

This approach is consistent with the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and highlights the importance of meaningful participation by Indigenous communities in any tourism-related initiative that may affect their ancestral domains, cultural resources, and way of life. Through continuous dialogue and collaboration, the TWG seeks to promote tourism development that respects cultural integrity while creating opportunities for local communities.

In addition, the identification and documentation of cultural properties were undertaken to ensure that significant heritage resources, cultural landscapes, traditions, and community assets are properly recognized and considered in the planning process.

The information gathered through the tourism site mapping, community dialogues, and cultural property identification activities will serve as important baseline data in the formulation of the Tourism Development Plan. Through this initiative, the Tourism Development Plan Technical Working Group aims to establish a strategic roadmap that balances tourism growth with environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community empowerment, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the Municipality of San Jose.

22/07/2026

The Municipal Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office (MTCAO) extends its warmest congratulations to Hon. Larry R. Guevarra, a proud member of the Buhid ethnolinguistic group from Barangay Monteclaro, on your oath-taking as the new Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of the Municipality of San Jose.

Your appointment is a meaningful milestone that strengthens the voice and representation of our Indigenous Cultural Communities in local governance. May your leadership be guided by wisdom, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to upholding the rights, preserving the rich cultural heritage, and advancing the aspirations of our Mangyan brothers and sisters.

As you take on this important responsibility in the Sangguniang Bayan, may you continue to champion inclusive development, cultural preservation, and genuine public service for the benefit of both the Indigenous Peoples and the entire Municipality of San Jose.

22/07/2026

Tourism Site Assessment, Community Dialogue, and Cultural Mapping in Ambulong Island successfully conducted.

Under the leadership of Mayor Rey C. Ladaga and the supervision of Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Officer Ms. Ann Roxanne D. Rodrigo, the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Local Tourism Development Plan successfully conducted a series of tourism site mapping and assessment activities, cave assessments, community dialogues, and cultural mapping on Ambulong Island, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

The activity forms part of the municipality's continuing efforts to formulate a comprehensive and sustainable Local Tourism Development Plan that will serve as a strategic roadmap for the future growth and development of San Jose's tourism industry. Through these activities, the municipality aims to identify and document tourism assets, assess their potential, and gather valuable insights from local communities to ensure that tourism development remains inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to residents.

The undertaking was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various municipal and national government offices, including the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO). Their technical expertise and active participation greatly contributed to the success of the assessment activities.

During the field assessment, the team documented the rich natural attractions of Ambulong Island, particularly its pristine beaches and cave systems. Among the notable attractions identified were the renowned local whites beaches with in the whole island, which possess significant tourism potential due to their scenic beauty and natural environment.

The team also conducted assessments of several cave formations, including Punta Asin Cave, which was noted for its potential archaeological significance. Initial observations indicate that the cave may contain valuable cultural and historical resources that warrant further study and documentation. Likewise, Ambulong Cave 1 and Ambulong Cave 2 were assessed and found to be well-preserved, with local residents actively participating in their protection and conservation.

In addition to natural resource assessments, the Technical Working Group facilitated community dialogues and cultural mapping activities to document local traditions, cultural practices, historical narratives, and community aspirations. These activities provided valuable information that will guide future tourism initiatives while ensuring the preservation of Ambulong Island's cultural identity and environmental integrity.

The successful completion of these activities highlights the commitment of the Municipal Government of San Jose to responsible tourism development, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage conservation. The information gathered will serve as an important foundation in crafting a sustainable and inclusive Local Tourism Development Plan that will further strengthen San Jose's position as a premier tourism destination in Occidental Mindoro.

18/07/2026

YOUR JOURNEY INSPIRED A PROVINCE. THANK YOU, ARAH!

Although your journey at Binibining Pilipinas 2026 has come to a close, your impact and the pride you brought to Occidental Mindoro will remain forever.

You represented our province with grace, confidence, intelligence, and a heart dedicated to making every Mindoreño proud. While the Top 12 may not have been part of your journey, your courage to stand on the national stage and carry the name of Occidental Mindoro is already a remarkable achievement.

Thank you for showing the country the beauty, strength, and spirit of a true Mindoreña.

San Jose and Occidental Mindoro is proud of you. We will always be proud of you.

Congratulations, Arah. You may not have taken home the crown, but you have won the admiration and hearts of your people. Your journey continues, and so does our unwavering support.