Davao City’s living heritage of its 11 ethnolinguistic groups, together with a compelling digital narrative, has brought the city onto the stage of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards, earning two major nominations out of 606 entries nationwide.
The awards, presented by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and the Department of Tourism, recognize local government units for their sustainable practices and innovations in tourism.
Willenito P. Tormis Jr., head of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), told the City Information Office (CIO) that the nomination reflects not only the city’s excellence in tourism but also its commitment to preserve and showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage.
“This is an acknowledgement that Kadayawan is seen, Kadayawan is heard and also Kadayawan is widely recognized all over the Philippines. With this achievement as a national finalist, we were able to really put Kadayawan in the Map, not just in the map but also in the hearts of many people,” he said.
Davao City’s first nomination, KAGIKAN: The Kadayawan Cultural Village, competed for Best Practices on Sustainable Tourism featuring the traditional houses of the city’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups at Magsaysay Park.
The city also earned a spot in the Best Tourism Promotions Video: Official Video| Kadayawan festival 2025, showcasing the city’s rich heritage, agricultural abundance, and cultural unity.
Tormis added that from 606 entries nationwide, 201 finalists were chosen across 15 categories, with Davao City earning its place among them.
“Ang soul sa atoang both categories are really our 11 ethnolinguistic groups and because of the unity sa 11 ka grupo nato nagpa matoud gyud siya nga when we are united, grabe ka colorful, grabe ka bountiful and grabe ka strong ang atoang mga create as one (The soul for both categories is really our 11 ethnolinguistic groups, and because of the unity of our 11 groups, it is truly proven that when we are united, our creations are incredibly colorful, incredibly bountiful, and incredibly strong),” he added.
Davao City will advance to the ATOP Pearl Awards on October 21, 2026, in Ormoc City. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: Davao City Tourism Operations Office