CITY OF ILAGAN GARNERS MULTIPLE RECOGNITIONS AT 2025 ATOP PEARL AWARDS
BAGUIO CITY, October 2, 2025 — The City of Ilagan continues to shine on the national stage after bagging multiple awards during the prestigious 26th Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) National Convention and Pearl Awards held in Baguio City.
Leading the city’s achievements was the recognition of City Tourism Officer Cristina R. Sinom as the Most Outstanding Tourism Officer of the Philippines for 2025. The award served as a testament to her unwavering commitment in promoting Ilagan as a tourism destination rooted in culture, nature, and community participation. It also reflected the City Government’s sustained efforts to strengthen its tourism programs under the administration of Mayor Jay L. Diaz and Vice Mayor Jay Eveson C. Diaz.
In addition to this prestigious individual citation, the City of Ilagan was also acknowledged as Second Runner-Up for Best Tourism Week/Month Celebration (Independent/Component City Level) for its “Ilagandang Tworismo: Celebrating the Authenticity of Ilagan Through Culture, Tourism, Nature, and Heritage” celebration, and as Second Runner-Up for Best Sports Tourism Event for hosting the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) 2024 meet.
The recognitions underscored the city’s creative and well-executed initiatives that have contributed to local economic growth, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. The Ilagandang Tworismo celebration was commended for effectively promoting Ilagan’s identity through its authentic expression of local culture, nature, and heritage. Meanwhile, the city’s hosting of CAVRAA 2024 showcased excellence in sports tourism management, highlighting Ilagan’s capability to organize large-scale events that stimulate economic activity and strengthen its image as a premier sporting hub in Northern Luzon.
The ATOP Pearl Awards aim to acknowledge exemplary tourism programs and innovations implemented by local government units across the country. Ilagan’s triumphs demonstrated its dedication to excellence, creativity, and sustainability—values that continue to guide its tourism initiatives.
These recognitions also reinforce the importance of collaboration among government agencies, communities, and private stakeholders in building a thriving and resilient tourism industry.
Under the leadership of Mayor Jay L. Diaz and Vice Mayor Jay Eveson “Jayve” Diaz, the City of Ilagan continues to set the standard for good governance and innovation in local tourism. These latest recognitions not only celebrate the city’s achievements but also reaffirm its unwavering pursuit of excellence — proving once again that in Ilagan, excellence is our standard and progress is a shared journey toward a more livable, sustainable, and proudly Ilagueño future.
