ILOILO City – After undergoing a stringent on-site validation by national tourism authorities, Iloilo City has once again emerged as an ASEAN Clean Tourist City awardee for consistency in meeting international standards for cleanliness, safety, and sustainable urban management.
The renewed recognition follows a July 25, 2025 inspection conducted by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office through its Office of Tourism Standards, which evaluated the city’s compliance with ASEAN benchmarks on environmental protection, urban governance, public safety, and responsible tourism development.
This latest award builds on Iloilo City’s earlier ASEAN Clean Tourist City distinction for the 2020–2022 cycle, underscoring the city’s sustained performance rather than a one-time achievement.
The formal awarding ceremony is set on January 30, 2026, in Cebu City, where Iloilo City will officially receive the honor alongside other ASEAN-recognized destinations.
Mayor Raisa Treñas credited the recognition to the collective efforts of both the local government and the Ilonggo community.
“We did it again, Iloilo City. This recognition reflects our sustained efforts to build a clean, sustainable, and people-centered city,” Treñas said.
She emphasized that the award belongs to every Ilonggo who practices discipline and actively contributes to maintaining order and cleanliness in the city.
“Our discipline, cooperation, and love for Iloilo City are the reasons why we continue to be recognized in the ASEAN region,” the mayor added.
Treñas said the successful validation demonstrated the city’s consistent implementation of standards that prioritize community welfare and long-term livability, not just tourism appeal. She urged residents to sustain the gains and work together to preserve Iloilo City’s cleanliness and quality of life for both locals and visitors.
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award is conferred on cities across Southeast Asia that show exemplary and sustained practices in cleanliness, environmental stewardship, safety, urban management, and sustainable tourism./PN
