The Bacolod City, in coordination with the Bacolod City Tourism Development Office, garnered five recognitions at the annual Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards held at the Ormoc Development and Training Convention Complex on Wednesday, October 2.
Bacolod competed against entries from local government units nationwide, with 606 entries from 201 LGUs vying for recognition across 15 categories, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
Representing Mayor Greg Gasataya, Secretary to the Mayor Jose Marty Go, together with Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ma. Teresa Manalili, received the awards on behalf of the city.
Bacolod earned recognition in the following categories:
* Grand Winner for Best International Event Hosting — Terra Madre Asia and Pacific
* Grand Winner for Best Local Event Hosting — Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival
* Grand Winner for Best Tourism Promotions Brochure — Bacolod City: Your Pocket Guide to Experience the City of Smiles
* First Runner-Up, Best Tourism Event – Cultural Festival — Bacolod MassKara Festival 2025
* First Runner-Up, Best Sports Tourism Event — MassKaraLympics 2025
Gasataya attributed the city’s achievements to the dedication of the tourism office, local artists, festival organizers, and Bacolodnons who continue to welcome visitors with the city’s world-renowned smiles.
“You are the true architects of this success. You have proven that the vibrant spirit of our City of Smiles is not just something we talk about, but something we live and share with the world every single day,” the mayor said.
He expressed hope that the recent achievements would inspire further innovations in tourism programs and create more opportunities for the city.
“The world is taking notice of Bacolod, and we will ensure our city’s future shines even brighter — stronger together,” he added.
Also joining the city’s celebration was Department of Tourism (DOT) concurrent Negros Island Region Director Cristanta Marlene Rodriguez, who commended the Bacolod City government for its efforts to promote excellence in Philippine tourism governance.
“It says a lot about Bacolod City and, of course, about tourism governance in the city. I would like to congratulate the city for an outstanding year,” Rodriguez said.
“It just shows how rich and vibrant the culture and tourism are in Bacolod and the readiness of the community in welcoming tourists.
The five recognitions highlight Bacolod’s diverse tourism offerings, spanning cultural celebrations, culinary heritage, international event hosting, sports tourism, and destination promotion, the press release said.
The achievement reflects the city government’s continuing partnership with the Bacolodnon community and tourism stakeholders in strengthening the local tourism industry and further establishing Bacolod as a premier destination in the Philippines, it added.*
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