Ambaguio LGU Emerges Victorious in DOT’s Tourism Champions Challenge, Receives Prestigious Award from President Marcos
The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Ambaguio proudly emerged as the Champion in Luzon at the recent Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT). This remarkable achievement was celebrated during the grand awarding ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center on Monday, April 15, 2024.
Mayor Ronelio Danao graciously accepted the esteemed award from esteemed dignitaries including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, and COO Mark Lapid of TIEZA. The LGU’s exceptional efforts were recognized with a substantial award valued at 20 million for tourism infrastructure. In a surprising turn of events, President Marcos announced an additional 5 million allocation for all winners during the ceremony, further underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting tourism initiatives nationwide.
Expressing his gratitude, Mayor Danao remarked, “The TCC has been a transformative opportunity for LGUs like Ambaguio, a fifth-class municipality, to shine on a national platform for the first time.” Meanwhile, Regional Director Troy Alexander Miano commended LGU-Ambaguio for their dedication in formulating and defending their project proposal, emphasizing the DOT-Region 2’s steadfast support towards ensuring the project’s sustainability and safety.
The TCC, launched on April 5, 2023, allocated a cumulative amount of PHP 180 million, spearheaded by the DOT in collaboration with TIEZA, to empower local government units in creating innovative tourism projects. Secretary Frasco elaborated on the meticulous selection process, highlighting its emphasis on integrity, impartiality, and expert evaluation to identify impactful initiatives for immediate implementation.
President Marcos underscored the importance of enhancing tourism infrastructure to elevate the country’s competitiveness in the global market. “To distinguish ourselves in a highly competitive industry, we must invest in superior tourism facilities and infrastructure to bolster our marketing efforts and attract a diverse clientele,” he stated.
In conclusion, Secretary Frasco reiterated the significance of collaborative efforts in driving the tourism sector forward. “As we celebrate the accomplishments of our top LGUs, we are not just honoring projects, but also championing innovation, collaboration, and community spirit. Let us continue to support each other in our journey towards positioning the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse and a model for sustainable development,” she affirmed, extending gratitude to President Marcos for his visionary leadership.
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