DOT cites Dinagat Islands as Caraga’s tourism excellence champion
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Province of Dinagat Islands marked another milestone in tourism excellence after the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga recognized it as Tourism Excellence Champion, provincial level, affirming Dinagat Islands’ continued commitment to sustainable tourism development, effective governance, accreditation excellence, tourism statistics management, and strategic partnerships that drive growth across the province.
The province earned a total of 20 awards and recognitions during the 2nd Caraga Tourism Officiers’ Summit and Pasidungog 2026 Awards on July 9 via Zoom with the theme,' Empowering Tourism Officers: Advancing Institutionalization, Governance, and Innovation.'
Led by DOT Caraga Director Ivonnie B. Dumadag, it brought together various local government unit (LGU) officials, tourism officers, and regional line agencies (RLAs) across Caraga’s five provinces and six cities.
The Province of Dinagat Islands received the following awards and recognitions:
Major Awards:
- Caraga Tourism Excellence Champion, provincial level
- Benlen D. Navas, MPA – Plaque of Recognition (Provincial Tourism Officer)
Provincial Awards:
- Top Performing LGU in Same-Day Visitor Arrivals Recognition, Provincial Level
- Top Performing LGU in Overnight Visitor Arrivals Recognition, Provincial Level
- Top Performing LGU in Tourism Development Planning Recognition, Provincial Level
- Champion, Best Performing Local Government Unit (DOT-Accredited Tourism-Related Enterprises), Provincial Level
- Second Place, Best Performing Local Government Unit (DOT-Accredited Frontliners), Provincial Level
- Accreditation Champion Award: LGUs with Policy Support Complementary to the DOT Accreditation Program
- Training Commendation and Excellence in Training Partnerships for LGUs, Provincial Level
Special Awards:
- Province of Dinagat Islands
- Municipality of Loreto
- Municipality of San Jose
Individual Awards:
- Lea N. Jamot – Best Tourism Accreditation Focal, Provincial Level
- Lea N. Jamot – Best Tourism Statistics Focal Person, Provincial Level
Municipal Awards:
- Municipality of San Jose – Top Performing LGU in Overnight Visitor Arrivals Recognition, Municipal Level
- Municipality of Basilisa – Special Citation for Accreditation Policy Awardee
- Municipality of Libjo – Special Citation for Accreditation Policy Awardee
- Municipality of Loreto – Training Commendation and Excellence in Training Partnership for LGUs, Municipal Level
- Municipality of Basilisa – Training Commendation and Excellence in Training Partnership for LGUs, Municipal Level
- Municipality of Cagdianao – Plaque of Appreciation for Participation and Support to Tourism Expositions
These achievements reflected the dedication, collaboration, and hard work of the provincial and municipal local government units, tourism officers and workers, stakeholders, and partners who continue to elevate the tourism industry of Dinagat Islands, giving more reasons for international and domestic tourists to visit and love the province.
Meanwhile, Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr, the virtual convention’s resource speaker, emphasized how tourism has contributed to economic transformation in the region and its pivotal role in Caraga’s development through the i2FAME (industrialize and innovate fishery, agro-forestry, mining and eco-tourism) strategy.
“Let us always remember that tourists do not see political boundaries. Rather, they experience Caraga as one destination,” Gov. Demerey said. “May we always sustain the standard of service, innovation, and hospitality in our respective destinations in the region.”
“Let us continue working together – complementing one another’s strengths, promoting both potential and emerging attractions, and building partnerships that create richer and more memorable visitor experiences,” he added. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from Dinagat Islands Tourism and Cultural Office)
