Two local government units (LGUs) in North Luzon—Tabuc City and Ilagan City—were recognized with the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for their outstanding efforts in cleanliness, green spaces, waste management, and sustainable tourism.
Tabuc City, represented by Raine Sarol, Focal Person for the ASEAN Summit, proudly stated it was their first time to receive the award. Sarol explained the city's journey towards the prestigious recognition, starting with their comprehensive and systematic application process.
"Ang una po naming ginawa ay ang komprehensibo at sistematikong proseso sa aplikasyon. Pero bago iyon, kinailangan po namin ng endorsement mula sa Department of Tourism. Nakita po nila ang strong commitment ng Tabuc City sa environmental conservation at waste management," said Sarol during DILG sa DZRH Breaktime program.
Sarol emphasized the thorough documentation of the city’s services related to environmental, health, and security aspects, leading to a satisfactory rating. He also highlighted the integration of environmental sustainability in their Urban Land Masterplan and Local Transport Route Plan.
"Ang mga aktibidad at programa ay nakaincorporate sa aming masterplans, kaya naman nakamit namin ang ganitong parangal," he added.
In terms of maintaining cleanliness and orderliness, Tabuc City enforces strict environmental regulations, including waste management ordinances and mandatory tree planting.
"Mayroon po kaming regular na pag-monitor sa hygiene at sanitation ng mga establishments, at eco-friendly transport options like bike lanes," Sarol said.
Sarol also proudly shared that the city boasts the widest road in the North and maintains public toilets and regular waste management schedules to ensure a clean environment for both locals and tourists.
Through Sarol, Tabuc City Mayor Darwin Estrañero expressed his gratitude for the DILG awards, stating that they provide opportunities to highlight the city's achievements in tourism while emphasizing the importance of environmental protection.
On the other hand, Ilagan City, represented by Councilor Jay Eveson Diaz and City Tourism Officer Maria Cristina Semon, earned the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for the second time, having first received the recognition for the 2020–2024 period and again for 2024–2026.
"Kami lamang po sa buong lambak ng Cagayan ang nakapagkamit ng ganitong parangal and we owe this to our city officials headed by our City Mayor [Josemarie L. Diaz]," Semon shared.
Diaz revealed the city's "secret" to success, emphasizing political will, strong leadership, and unity among the people.
"Yung mga tao po kasi we always include all the sectors kapag mayroon po kaming drive papunta diro sa sustainable papunta sa Cleanliness ng aming lungsod," Diaz said.
The city follows a 10-year solid waste management plan, supported by the city council and aligned with the mayor's Liveable City Concept. In addition to partnerships with government agencies like DepEd, Ilagan City has established its own development authority, ILAGANDA, similar to Metro Manila's MMDA.
These recognitions mark significant milestones in North Luzon’s commitment to sustainable urban development and tourism, with both cities setting benchmarks for environmental conservation and cleanliness.
