To celebrate National Women’s Month, the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the first Icons of Sustainable Tourism Awards and Recognition (ISTaR) ceremony recognizing 4 women entrepreneurs in Western Visayas, last Monday.
During the event at Casa Real, DOT Western Visayas regional Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez delivered her message saying that the award acknowledges the hard work of stakeholders in sustainable tourism while considering the opportunity of both men and women in the industry.
Rodriguez said that the said event can bring to the spotlight success stories and further inspire more individuals to push more in their field, leaving no one behind development.
The individuals who received awards are the following:
- Icon for Eco-Tourism - Maria Remedios D. Bantug, Vice President of the Bantug Lake Ranch Development Corporation
- Icons for Cultural Tourism - Rachel Mateo, President of Iloilo’s Ati Women of Nagpana Minorities Association, and Rhea Balandra, President of the Malay Boracay Vendors, Peddlers, Masseurs, Manicurists and Hair Braider Association, Inc.
- Icon for Hospitality Tourism - Editha M. Sazon, Owner and General Manager of the Marzon Hotel.
Rodriguez acknowledged their efforts and encouraged the awardees to continue to impact their knowledge and capabilities to others as agents of change towards tourism development.
One of the awardees, Rhea Balandra responded to Rodriguez’s boost and said that she has been in the industry for almost 5 years and took the test on how they would contribute to sustainable tourism. Balandra added that Tourism is the backbone of their livelihood.
Balandra shared how their association, as part of their outreach activities, organizes services such as massage and mani/pedi and conducts arts and craft training to youth and housewives in their community.
While another awardee, Rachel Mateo and her association, shared on how handwoven nito (vine baskets and hats) crafts, as well as, local coffee made by Indigenous Peoples community made their visitors experience the local culture.
The event is only the beginning to search for more tourism icons, Rodriguez said.
