Sipalay city: Sipalay City in Negros Occidental has been selected as one of the five finalists in the Tourism Excellence Award-Tourism Destination Category of the 2025 Philippine Tourism Awards (PTA), organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
According to Philippines News Agency, it is one of only two local government units in the Visayas, alongside the municipality of Malay in Aklan, to make it to the shortlist. Supervising tourism officer Jerick Lacson expressed his gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to Sipalay City's commitment to sustainable development through tourism and the stories of the local communities in southern Negros.
Lacson stated, "Just being in the Top 5 - joining other more established destinations in the list - is an achievement in itself. We're honored to bring the hopes, voice, and heart of Sipalay to the national spotlight." The other finalists include Baguio City, Bi±an City in Laguna, and the municipality of Bolinao in Pangasinan.
The PTA is a prestigious recognition program by the DOT aimed at honoring industry players and local government units (LGUs) that have demonstrated excellence in developing and promoting the country's tourism sector. Sipalay, often called 'The Jewel of the Sugar Island,' is renowned for its pristine beaches, forest protected areas, caves, islands, and islets.
Lacson credited the city's national recognition to the sustainable development agenda initiated under Mayor Gina Montilla and Vice Mayor Oscar Montilla. Sipalay City had previously excelled in the 2024 Pearl Awards, winning in three categories, including Best Tourism-Oriented LGU, Best Tourism Month Celebration, and Best Practices for Sustainable Tourism.
In 2022, the Kite Association of the Philippines declared Sipalay City the Kite Tourism Capital of the Philippines for its efforts to promote traditional Filipino kite culture through the annual Burangoy Kite Festival. The Sipalay City Game Fishing Tournament also highlights the city as a burgeoning game fishing spot, leveraging its location along the Sulu Sea, one of the country's tuna highways.
