By MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – Iloilo City’s campaign to become a premier destination for major national and international events has received a timely boost after five of its six entries advanced to the finals of the prestigious Association of Tourism Officers and Professionals (ATOP) Pearl Awards 2026.
The recognition comes as the city continues its bid to host MICECon 2027, the country’s premier gathering for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry — putting fresh weight behind Iloilo’s claim that it has the tourism assets, event-hosting capability and promotional strength to handle major gatherings.
Of 606 entries submitted nationwide, only 201 finalists were selected across 15 categories. Iloilo City secured finalist berths in five categories: Best Tourism Souvenirs – Non-Food, Best Tourism Event – Cultural Festival, Best Event Hosting – Local, Best Event Hosting – International, and Best Tourism Promotions – Brochure.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the timing of the recognition could not have been better for Iloilo City as it seeks to further establish itself in the country’s competitive tourism and MICE industry.
“And timely gid ini nga good news, especially now that Iloilo is also bidding to host MICECon 2027,” Treñas said.
The mayor said Iloilo City’s strong showing in the ATOP Pearl Awards demonstrates that its tourism appeal goes beyond conventional sightseeing, with the city increasingly positioning itself as a capable venue for major local and international events.
“Our finalist spots in tourism, event hosting, cultural festivals and promotions show what Iloilo can offer as a destination not only for tourists, but also as a venue for local and international events,” she said.
Treñas received news of the city’s five finalist spots while in Incheon, South Korea, where she was representing Iloilo City at the International Disaster Resilience Leaders Forum.
“While I’m here in Incheon, South Korea representing Iloilo City at the International Disaster Resilience Leaders Forum, there is another very good news that arrived last night,” Treñas said.
“Iloilo City is a finalist in the Highly Urbanized City category of the ATOP Pearl Awards 2026, with five entries making it to the finals,” she added.
The five finalist entries showcase different components of Iloilo City’s tourism program — from cultural celebrations and locally produced souvenirs to event management and destination promotion.
Treñas credited the achievement to the combined work of the city government, its MICE and tourism teams, private-sector partners, creatives, event organizers and the Ilonggo community.
“For me, these recognitions are a reflection of the hard work of our MICE team, partners, creatives, organizers and all our Ilonggos who continue to help make Iloilo a city we can be proud to share with the country and the world,” she said.
The finalist entries were developed through the collaboration of the Iloilo City MICE Center and the Office of the City Tourism and Development Officer, together with various partners and stakeholders.
The recognition further strengthens the city government’s efforts to promote Iloilo’s culture, creativity and hospitality while expanding its presence in the national tourism and events industry./PN
