08/08/2026
Malay Mayor, Tourism Officer Receive Ambassador of the Year Awards
Municipal Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista and Dr. Felix G. Delos Santos Jr., the municipality's Chief Tourism Operations Officer, were named recipients of tourism recognition awards during the 3rd Ambassador of the Year Award ceremony held August 7, 2026, at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
Bautista was named Malay-Boracay Ambassador of the Year, while Delos Santos received the LGU-Tourism Ambassador of the Year Award. The ceremony coincided with the 4th Travel Sale Expo Launching and 9th Global Travel Exchange Roadshow, organized by the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) in partnership with OneKlik Events, which recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to tourism development.
Organizers cited Bautista's role in advancing sustainable tourism initiatives and maintaining Malay's standing as one of the country's leading tourism destinations. Under his administration, the municipal government has pursued programs centered on responsible tourism, environmental protection, and community involvement in local tourism planning.
Delos Santos was recognized for coordinating tourism programs across the municipality and building cooperation among tourism stakeholders in both Malay and Boracay.
Neither official attended the ceremony in person, as both Bautista and Delos Santos were unable to make the trip due to weather-related travel conditions. Their awards were received on their behalf by Dindo F. Salazar, chairman of the Boracay Foundation, Inc.
Local officials noted that the recognitions extend beyond the two award recipients, pointing to the broader work of the Local Government Unit of Malay, the Malay Tourism Office, and tourism stakeholders in sustaining the island's profile as a destination.