Capiztahan named best cultural festival at ATOP

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — This province emerged as a top winner at the 2025 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards, bringing home three grand prizes that highlight its rich culture, cuisine, and tourism programs.

Capiz was hailed as Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit (Provincial Category) for its strong implementation of Turismo sang Maragtas: The Capiz Tourism Development Plan (CTDP) 2024–2028, which is anchored on the National Tourism Development Plan, crafted through multisectoral participation, and approved under SP Resolution No. 1056-s-2024 to address key tourism challenges.

The province also won as grand winner for Best Institutionalized Program for Culture and the Arts with Lutong Capisnon, a culinary showcase staged during the annual Capiztahan that celebrates traditional Capisnon cuisine, local ingredients, and food preparation methods to further elevate the province’s cultural identity.

Adding to its triumphs, Capiz clinched the Best Cultural Festival award for Capiztahan after placing first runner-up in the same category last year, finally capturing the top spot this year in a recognition that Governor Fredenil H. Castro described as a “pride and honor for all Capisnons.”

The awards were received by provincial tourism officers during the ATOP National Convention held on Oct. 2, 2025, at Hotel Supreme Mall & Events Center in Baguio City.

“These victories are not only honors for the province but also a testament to the collective efforts of Capisnons in preserving, celebrating, and promoting their distinct heritage,” the Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office said in a statement.