By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental officially opened the 25th Provincial Tourism Week with the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” yesterday, underscoring the importance of balancing tourism growth with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the opening ceremony, joined by provincial tourism officer Cheryl Decena, city and municipal chief executives, and tourism officers from across the province.
In his message, Lacson emphasized that tourism is more than just showcasing destinations — it is about the people, culture and shared responsibility to preserve what makes Negros Occidental distinct.
“Responsible tourism must be at the very core of our endeavors. Beyond the growth of our industry, we must emphasize sustainable practices that protect our ecological balance, safeguard our cultural legacy, and ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt equitably among our people,” Lacson said.
He added that sustainable tourism should create meaningful experiences for visitors while ensuring that progress reaches both large institutions and small local enterprises, making tourism a shared opportunity for growth, pride and inclusivity.
Negros Occidental, known for its rich heritage, cuisine and history, continues to gain recognition at the national level.
The province was named a finalist in three major categories at the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards:
* The Sugar Cultural Landscape of Negros Occidental — Best Institutional Program in Culture and the Arts (Province)
* Terra Madre — Best International Hosting (Province)
* The Negros Trade Fair – Best Local Hosting (Province), which will be held next week in Bonifacio Global City
“These recognitions speak volumes not only of our creativity and excellence, but also of our strong commitment to promote tourism that is deeply rooted in culture, heritage and sustainability,” Lacson added.
He also extended his gratitude to the Association of Tourism Workers of Negros Occidental for their unwavering support in implementing provincial tourism programs.
The weeklong celebration serves as a reaffirmation of the province’s vision to harness sustainable tourism as a driver of progress, inclusivity and cultural pride while transforming Negros Occidental into a destination where “culture, nature and people grow in balance and harmony.”/CJ, WDJ