1st ATOP Best Tourism Practices Award Tourism group picks ComVal among top 3 awardees

Spectators view the painting exhibit of the Kadaiyang Mugna sa Unang Lakang (First Tread on Distinct Creation) at the Capitol lobby during the celebration of the National Tourism Week from September 18 to 22. (COMVAL NEWS & PICTURES)

Governor Jose Caballero (right) tours Roger Layson (left), tourism assistant regional director for Region XI, at the painting exhibit of capitol visual artists during the opening of the provincial celebration of National Tourism Week Monday on Sept. 18. (COMVAL NEWS & PICTURES)

Board Member Kris Caballero opens the provincial celebration of National Tourism Week the cultural way on Sept. 18 at the painting exhibit of capitol visual artists showcasing their Kadaiyang Mugna sa Unang Lakang (COMVAL NEWS & PICTURES)

NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley – The Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) has chosen Compostela Valley, through its Lantaw-Dayeg (witness and appreciate) celebration, as one of the top 3 awardees in its 1st ATOP Best Practices Award.

In a letter to Gov. Jose Caballero, ATOP national president Dea Que said Compostela Valley’s specific rank shall be announced during the awards night on October 6 at the Cultural Center in Koronadal City.

The award will be presented by Tourism Sec. Joseph Durano during the 7th ATOP National Convention in Koronadal, Que said.

ATOP members represent the 79 provinces, 115 cities and 1,501 municipalities who are promoting the Philippines as a premier tourist destination in the whole world.

Compostela Valley celebrates Lantaw-Dayeg on September 19-22 with day tours that give participants free symposia on tourism awareness, an exhibit tour and the opportunity to interact with the artists.

“This is the result of our no-nonsense efforts on tourism,” Governor Jose Caballero said at the opening of the week-long event.

Lantaw Dayeg also features the painting exhibit Kadaiyang Mugna sa Unang Lakang (First Tread on Distinct Creation) by capitol visual artists who use varying mediums in their works of art.

“Tourism is one of the main factors of ComVal. Though we are still a new province, we have already done a lot of things that attract investors,” provincial board member Kris Caballero said. “Lantaw-Dayeg is only to show that our employees have extra talents aside from routine jobs.”

Proceeds from the painting exhibit-for-a-cause will be used to fund succeeding art workshops for children and the community.

“The artworks are reflective not only of the artists’ views and interpretations in life but also show Comval’s natural wonders such as falls, pristine beaches, mountain ranges, placid lakes all captured from each intricate strokes of the artist’s hand,” said tourism receptionist Fe Fuentes-Maestre.

Governor Caballero thanked regional tourism officials for being part of the provincial celebration of the national tourism week.

“My office is always very supportive in terms of tourism,” Caballero said. “We have been receiving a lot of awards from the Department of Tourism like Maragusan which was declared summer capital of the region.”

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) conducted an art workshop last year for young potential artists. The Department of Education has recently added a curriculum on Special Program for the Arts where students are taught in the fields of culture and the arts. (COMVAL NEWS & PICTURES)

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Last Updated: October 25, 2006