1st Dayaw Awards Honor Tourism Champions Across Cagayan Valley
1st Dayaw Awards Honor Tourism Champions Across Cagayan Valley
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2 honored outstanding individuals, organizations, local government units, tourism enterprises, and stakeholders who have contributed significantly to the development, promotion, preservation, and sustainability of tourism in Cagayan Valley during the 1st Dayaw Awards, held at the Isabela Convention Center in Cauayan City, Isabela on September 25, 2026z
The inaugural awards ceremony brought together tourism stakeholders from across the region to celebrate excellence and recognize the people and institutions behind the destinations, experiences, and initiatives that continue to shape the tourism landscape of Cagayan Valley.
The Dayaw Awards serves as a platform to recognize outstanding contributions across various sectors, highlighting the importance of collaboration among government, communities, the private sector, academe, youth, and the media in advancing a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable tourism industry.
1st Dayaw Awards Winners
The following individuals, organizations, local government units, and tourism stakeholders were recognized during the inaugural awards:
- Best Community-Based Tourism Organization (CBTO) Award – Palaui Island Environmental Protectors Association
- Cultural Heritage Preservation Award – Province – Provincial Government of Isabela, Hon. Rodolfo T. Albano III
- Cultural Heritage Preservation Award – City – Local Government Unit of the City of Ilagan, Hon. Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD, MBA
- Cultural Heritage Preservation Award – Municipality – Local Government Unit of Cabagan, Hon. Mila A. Mamauag
- Outstanding LGU in Tourism Development – Province – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, Hon. Jose V. Gambito
- Outstanding LGU in Tourism Development – City – Local Government Unit of the City of Ilagan, Hon. Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD, MBA
- Outstanding LGU in Tourism Development – Municipality – Local Government Unit of Kasibu, Hon. Romeo C. Tayaban
- Outstanding Private Primary Tourism Enterprise – Fundacion Pacita
- Outstanding Private Secondary Tourism Enterprise – Leonara’s-Cafe and Event Catering Services
- Tourism Champion Award – Academe Sector – Dr. Myleen R. Corpuz
- Tourism Champion Award – Community Sector – Ms. Maria Olivia B. Pascual
- Tourism Champion Award – Public Sector – Hon. Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD, MBA
- Tourism Champion Award – Youth Sector – Mr. Chester Ivan E. Lim
- Tourism Innovation and Digital Transformation Award – Local Government Unit of the City of Ilagan, Hon. Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD, MBA
- Tourism Media and Promotion Excellence Award – Media Organization – The Northern Forum
- Tourism Media and Promotion Excellence Award – Individual – Mr. Sonnyboy Pacursa
- Tourism Media and Promotion Excellence Award – Province – Provincial Government of Isabela, Hon. Rodolfo T. Albano III
- Tourism Media and Promotion Excellence Award – City – Local Government Unit of the City of Ilagan, Hon. Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD, MBA
- Tourism Media and Promotion Excellence Award – Municipality – Local Government Unit of Kasibu, Hon. Romeo C. Tayaban
- ASEAN Tourist Clean City Award 2026–2028 – Local Government Unit of the City of Ilagan, Hon. Josemarie L. Diaz, DMD, MBA
The ceremony also featured special recognitions celebrating the achievements of tourism professionals and the continuing efforts to strengthen the region’s tourism identity:
- ATOP Most Outstanding Tourism Officer 2024 – Ms. Marichelle O. Costales
- ATOP Most Outstanding Tourism Officer 2025 – Ms. Maria Cristina R. Simon
Adding a creative dimension to the celebration was a fashion showcase featuring wearable woven attires from the three winners presented during the event of the R2 Cagayan Valley Tourism Council.
The showcase highlighted the region’s rich weaving traditions and demonstrated how local craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and contemporary design can converge to create products and experiences that contribute to tourism and the creative economy.
Beyond the visual appeal of the presentation, the fashion showcase emphasized the value of preserving traditional skills and cultural expressions while creating opportunities for local communities and creative practitioners.
The 1st Dayaw Awards ultimately celebrated more than individual accomplishments. It recognized the collective efforts of the people and institutions working behind the scenes and on the ground to preserve heritage, develop destinations, empower communities, promote local stories, innovate tourism experiences, and strengthen the region’s tourism industry.
Through Dayaw, DOT Region 2 reaffirmed that the continued growth of tourism in Cagayan Valley is a shared undertaking—one anchored on partnership, innovation, culture, community, and a shared commitment to sustainable tourism development.#