P’sinan tourism prizes thrill LGUs with P.4-M

By Jojo Rinoza

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The search is on for this year’s “Aktibo ed Turismo Awards” in this province.

A project of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., Aktibo de Turismo gives special recognition to local government units who gave significant contribution to the development and promotion of tourism in the province and supported cultural and special events.

The search kicked off last September during the province celebration of Tourism Month where at least 17 LGUs will be vying for the award this year.

The entries for this year include Agno, Anda, Balungao, Bayambang, Bautista, Binmaley, Bolinao, Burgos, Calasiao, Dasol, Infanta, Mangaldan, Natividad, San Fabian, Sta. Maria, Tayug, and last year’s champion, Alaminos City.

Deciding the winners will be based on a scorecard prepared by the Special Awards and Evaluation Committee tasked to evaluate the tourism movers according to six criteria – organizational support; LGU-initiated/funded programs, projects, activities; cooperation and support to the provincial government programs and special events; legislative support; linkages with government and non-government partners; various tourism-related awards and recognitions received.

Provincial tourism and cultural affairs officer Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan disclosed that all entries will be evaluated according to the criteria and will be ranked accordingly and will be announced this month.

The champion will receive a P200,000 cash prize while second and third placers will get P150,000 and P100,000, respectively.