Despite the community restrictions due to COVID-19 last year, tourist arrivals in the four tourist destinations in E. B. Magalona had contributed to a high number of tourist arrivals in the municipality in 2021.

Ma. Teresa Alvarez (2nd from right), designated municipal tourism officer of E. B. Magalona, accompanied by Norie Santillan (1st from right), receives a plaque of recognition from the Provincial Capitol, represented by Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, (2nd from left) and Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena (1st from left), as witnessed by ATOP President Arwin Paul Lingat (3rd from left), for the municipality’s high tourist arrivals last year, at rites at the Provincial Tourism Week. */MTO PHOTO

These four establishments, namely, Tomongtong Mangrove Eco-Trail in Barangay Tomongtong, and I-Kulotz Payag Kainan and Mini-Resort, Lucita’s Garden Café and Restaurant, and Punong Gary’s Place, all in Barangay San Jose, have collectively gained 26,718 visitors last year, records of the Municipal Tourism Office showed.

This figure made the Municipality of E. B. Magalona earn a plaque of recognition from the Provincial Government for being the 5th Highest Contributing Local Government Unit (Municipal Level) for 2021 for Same Day Visitors of Negros Occidental.

Ma. Teresa Alvarez, designated municipal tourism officer, received the plaque from the Provincial Capitol during the Appreciation and Fellowship Night at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall last week, as part of the Provincial Tourism Week. Mayor Marvin Malacon said, “This award shows that we are on the right track in terms of tourism development. This further inspires us to work harder in order to sustain our tourism industry.”

The plaque was signed by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena. Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, who represented the governor, and Decena presented the award to Alvarez, who was accompanied by Norie Santillan, assistant registration officer of the Local Civil Regsitrar’s Office.

Witnessing the presentation of plaque was Arwin Paul Lingat, president of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP).*EBM PIO