03/09/2025
TOURISM CHAMPIONS OF NUEVA VIZCAYA LED THE SEMINAR ON TOURISM GOVERNANCE
The opening of the vibrant Tourism Month 2025 celebration of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya led by Governor Atty. Jose "Jing" V. Gambito continued with the Seminar on Tourism Governance on September 6, 2025 at the Ammungan Hall, Provincial Capitol, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.
The Provincial Tourism and Culture Office (PTCO) hosted this initiative, which aims to present the best tourism practices around the province. This inspiring event brought together Municipal Tourism Officers, tourism students and teachers, tourism stakeholders, and esteemed guests to deepen the understanding of sustainable tourism development in the province.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Acting Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer Marichelle O. Costales, who shared the significance of strengthening tourism governance to foster sustainable growth and community development. She emphasized the importance of tourism governance to implement the tourism programs, and how tourism governance empowers barangays, and municipalities.
Following this, Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, Culture & Arts and the Director General of the 2026 Grand Ammungan Festival, Board Member Eunice Galima-Gambol, delivered an uplifting opening and inspirational message. She explained how tourism is good for the planet and how it boosts the economy, preserves culture, and helps people become friends and not enemies.
The distinguished speakers, celebrated tourism champions who recently received national awards, shared their insights, experiences, and best practices in tourism governance. Senior Tourism Operations Officer of Kayapa Mitos O. Wales shared their experiences with the King of the Mountain Trail placing 2nd runner up in the Best Sports Tourism Award of the 2024 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards. Next, Tourism Operations Officer II of Kasibu Christian C. Daulayan, along with Jeo Barrientos, presented how their brochure clinched the Grand Winner in the Best Brochure for Tourism Promotions Award of the 2024 ATOP Pearl Awards. Moreover, Reilexies N. Milo of PTCO shared how Naturally Vibrant Nueva Vizcayaโs brochures were awarded 1st runner up for two consecutive years during the ATOP Pearl Awards. Lastly, Municipal Tourism Officer Designate of Ambaguio Nuepe G. Manuel Jr. presented how the Ambaguio Skyport soared during the prestigious Department of Tourism โ Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) and won First Place. Their stories of success and dedication served as powerful motivation for all attendees.
After the presentations, a lively panel discussion ensued, allowing participants to interact directly with the speakers and ask questions about tourism. Some participants โ students and other tourism officers โ then shared their impressions and key takeaways, highlighting the eventโs impact and their commitment to implementing learned strategies.
Adding to the significance of this event, the elected officers of the Nueva Vizcaya League of Municipal Tourism Officers took their oath of office, administered by Board Member Galima-Gambol โserving as a promising step towards stronger leadership and coordinated efforts in promoting tourism assets.
This seminar aligns perfectly with this year's theme: "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation," emphasizing the collective responsibility to harness tourismโs potential responsibly and sustainably for a brighter future.
Nueva Vizcaya Tourism is grateful to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this historic event. Together, may Novo Vizcayanos continue to promote tourism that is sustainable, inclusive, and transformative.
