Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman proudly accepted the prestigious ASEAN Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Award on behalf of the Marang-Marang Women’s Association (MMWA) during the 2025 ASEAN Tourism Standards Awarding Ceremony held on January 20 in Johor, Malaysia. This significant recognition highlights the MMWA’s unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and their exemplary compliance with the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Standards.
As the first recipient of this award in Region IX and the sole awardee from Mindanao, the MMWA has set a benchmark for excellence in community-based tourism. Their innovative practices and dedication to empowering local communities have positioned them as a model for grassroots-driven development in the ASEAN region.
The ceremony gathered distinguished leaders from across Southeast Asia, including Sorawong Thienthong representing the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Widiyanti Putri from the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak, Brunei’s Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dr. Abdul Manaf Metussin, Timor-Leste Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Singapore’s Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, Laos PDR Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Darany Phommavongsa and Vietnam Deputy Minister, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ho An Phong.
Meanwhile, Secretary of Tourism Christina Garcia Frasco formally accepted the chairmanship of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 during a ceremonial handover. The symbolic gavel was presented by Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Sri Tiong King Sing. (Contributed Photos)
