CAPIZ – The Capiz Provincial Government, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), showcased the province’s rich culture and sustainable tourism vision at the 36th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City from September 5 to 7, 2025.
Now in its 36th year, PTM is recognized as the country’s longest-running and largest travel expo. It is organized annually by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), with support from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). The event gathers tourism stakeholders, travel agencies, and local government units to offer travel deals, promote destinations, and highlight Filipino culture, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and next-generation travel experiences.
Capiz’s pavilion this year carried the theme “Panalingsing: The Tree of Sustainable Transformation.” “Panalingsing,” a Hiligaynon term meaning “sprouting” or “regrowth,” symbolizes the province’s vision of tourism that thrives responsibly and sustainably. The pavilion highlighted innovation, inclusivity, and wellness — underscoring how Capiz positions itself in today’s evolving tourism landscape.
The booth’s open, ground-level design created a welcoming space for all visitors, including persons with disabilities and families with children. Locally sourced and eco-friendly materials such as rattan, bamboo, and recycled Capiz shells adorned the pavilion, reflecting the province’s commitment to ecological responsibility. Decorations will also be repurposed for future events.
In a statement, PTCAO emphasized that the pavilion was a collective effort:
“The Panalingsing Pavilion was not built by one team alone—it was the work of a whole province coming together.”
The pavilion involved contributions from diverse sectors: women and housewives, Indigenous Peoples communities (Panay Bukidnon and Ati), persons deprived of liberty, PWDs, solo parents, students, artists, local producers, carpenters, farmers, fisherfolk, wellness advocates, digital creators, and cultural workers from LGUs.
To enrich the visitor experience, the Capiz booth also offered wellness activities such as guided mindfulness sessions, forest-bathing inspirations, and curated travel packages highlighting the province as a sanctuary for health and rejuvenation.
Aligned with PTM’s theme “Boosting the NextGen Tourism,” the Capiz Pavilion embodied the essence of the Panalingsing tree—growth, renewal, and transformation. With sustainability as its core, Capiz continues to branch into innovation, inclusivity, and wellness, aiming for a future where every journey nurtures both people and the planet./PN
