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Baguio City was officially honored during the flag-raising ceremony at Baguio City Hall on Monday, November 11, 2024, for its outstanding achievement in being named the Grand Winner of the Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit (LGU) at the ATOP National Tourism Pearl Awards which was held in Koronadal, South Cotabato last October. This prestigious recognition underscores Baguio’s exemplary commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and visitor engagement through innovative programs and collaborations.
This achievement is a testament to the unified efforts of the City Tourism Office, led by Supervising Tourism Officer Engr. Alec Mapalo; the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), chaired by Gladys Vergara; and the Department of Tourism CAR (DOT-CAR), headed by Regional Director Jovi Ganongan. Together, these partners have worked tirelessly to create memorable experiences and uphold the cityβs reputation as a premier tourism destination.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed deep pride in the cityβs accomplishments, attributing the success to the collaborative work of various public and private sectors. βThis recognition as the Best Tourism-Oriented LGU highlights our shared vision to elevate Baguio as a destination that respects tradition while embracing innovation. Our collective efforts are a reflection of what can be achieved when we work together for the cityβs prosperity,β he said.
In addition to the highly coveted Best Tourism-Oriented LGU Award, Baguio City was honored with several other accolades, demonstrating its diverse and robust tourism initiatives:
β’ Grand Winner, Best Tourism Promotion – Video for the “#BreatheBaguio Video,” directed by Ferdinand Balanag, which beautifully captured the essence of Baguioβs heritage, culture, and natural splendor.
β’ First Runner-Up, Best Event Hosting (Local) for “An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2023,” a holiday celebration that enchanted residents and visitors alike.
β’ First Runner-Up, Best Tourism Week/Month Celebration for “HRAB’s 16th Annual HRT Week in Baguio,” a showcase of hospitality and tourism excellence.
β’ First Runner-Up, Best Sports Tourism Event for the “Sang-atan BLISTT Bike Festival 2023,” celebrating adventure tourism in the region.
β’ First Runner-Up, Best Cultural Festival for the “Gong Festival 2023,” highlighting indigenous traditions and cultural pride.
β’ Special Citation for Best Practices on Sustainable Tourism for “Baguio Country Club’s Sustainable Tourism Practices,” the only finalist in the Highly Urbanized City category.
β’ Second Runner-Up, Best Practices in Community-Based Tourism for the “Baguio Pony Boys,” honoring their unique contribution to Baguio’s tourism identity.
β’ Second Runner-Up, Best Tourism Promotion – Brochure for the “#BreatheBaguio Tourism Brochure.”
β’ First Runner-Up, Best Institutionalized Program for Culture and the Arts for the “MontaΓ±osa Film Festival 2023,” celebrating artistic creativity and community heritage.
BTC Chair Gladys Vergara remarked, βThe recognition we received acknowledges the dedication and passion of Baguioβs people β from cultural bearers to creative artisans, city staff, and our steadfast partners in the public and private sectors. Together, we work to make Baguio a world-class destination while staying rooted in our heritage.β
Looking ahead, Baguio City will have the honor of hosting the next Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) National Convention in October 2025. This major event will showcase Baguioβs leadership in tourism innovation, hospitality, and cultural richness, further cementing its status as a beacon of excellence in Philippine tourism. Photos by Neil Clark Ongchangco
