DOT-6 honors women’s role in local tourism industry

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

The Department of Tourism-Region 6 (DOT-6) on Monday honored the contributions of women to the tourism industry coupled with themes of sustainable development through its first-ever Icons of Sustainable Tourism Awards and Recognition (ISTaR) event.

The newly minted prize honored four “Icons” from different tourism categories, namely:

–          Remedios Bantug, Vice President of Bantug Lake Ranch Development Corporation, as Icon of Eco-Tourism;

–          Rachel Mateo, President of Ati Women of Nagpana Minorities Association, as Icon of Cultural Tourism;

–          Ms. Rhea Balandra, President of Malay Boracay Vendors, Masseurs, Manicurists, and Hair Braiders Association, also as Icon of Cultural Tourism; and

–          Ms. Editha Sazon, Owner and General Manager of Marzon Hotel, as Icon of Hospitality Tourism.

Judges for the entries included Ms. Ira Pahila, Senior Economic Development Specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority-Region 6 (NEDA-6); and Dr. Ma. Amihan Panes of The Perfect Planners Corporation.

DOT-6 Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said in her opening remarks that the recognition’s purpose is to promote gender equality and women empowerment in the region’s tourism sector.

“This is to give recognition to the remarkable efforts of our eco-tourism stakeholders when it comes to sustainable tourism, taking into account the equal opportunities for men and women in the tourism industry,” Rodriguez said.

“This event will be an avenue to highlight the success stories of our icons in the tourism industry, and that will further inspire others to do better in their field leaving no one behind towards development,” she added.

Rodriguez also addressed the honorees and all entrants, encouraging them to continue inspiring the public, particularly present and emerging entities in the industry.

“Please do know that your efforts are highly appreciated, and please continue to impart your knowledge and capabilities to others as agents of change toward tourism development. This pilot activity for ISTaR will be a start for a more comprehensive and remarkable search for icons for sustainable tourism,” she said.

“We are sure that Western Visayas has a lot to offer not only our beautiful tourist attractions, but [also] the people behind every story of [our] tourist destinations,” she added.

The ISTaR is an initiative of the DOT-6 under its Gender and Development Program, under Republic Act No. 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), and part of the 2023 National Women’s Month celebration, under Republic Act No. 6949 (declaring March 8 as the annual National Women’s Day).