CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — The Provincial Government of Bulacan’s Pass-yal Pamana program secured first runner-up honors in the Best Institutionalized Program for Culture and the Arts category at the 2026 ATOP National Tourism Pearl Awards held on Wednesday (October 21) in Ormoc City, Leyte.
The recognition highlights Bulacan’s continuing efforts, through the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO), to preserve, promote, and institutionalize the province’s rich cultural heritage.
The awarding ceremony coincided with the annual Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) National Convention.
The award recognizes Pass-yal Pamana: Bulacan Pamana Pass, a cultural heritage initiative that serves as a “passport” for participants, including non-Bulakenyos, to discover and appreciate the province’s rich history and cultural heritage.
With this initiative, participants were given chance to visit and discover Bulacan’s heritage sites, museums, and historical landmarks through educational tours organized by PHACTO’s History and Heritage Division, enriching their knowledge of the province’s history, foster a deeper appreciation of its cultural identity, and encourage the preservation of Bulacan’s rich heritage for generations to come.
In a Facebook post, PHACTO OIC-Department Head Limuel Jan J. Lobederio extended his heartfelt appreciation to the city and municipal tourism officers, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, academic and religious institutions, cultural workers, tour guides, and tourism-related enterprises, emphasizing that the recognition is a shared achievement, dedicated to everyone who remains committed to preserving, celebrating, and promoting Bulacan’s rich cultural heritage.
The three-day ATOP National Convention, held from October 20 to 22, 2026, brought together tourism leaders and industry stakeholders to foster knowledge-sharing, strengthen collaboration, and explore emerging trends, innovations, and new opportunities in Philippine tourism, including the growing potential of sports tourism. (UnliNews Online)
