Department of Tourism Region V Office

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗻𝗼𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗻𝗼𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

The Provincial Government of Sorsogon, under the visionary leadership of Governor Edwin “Boboy” B. Hamor, through the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (SPTCAO), in close collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Matnog headed by Mayor Bobet Lee Rodrigueza, continues to take significant strides toward the development of innovative, sustainable, and community-centered tourism products within the Municipality of Matnog.

One of the key initiatives currently being pursued is the proposed Matnog Tourist River Boat Cruise, a tourism development project envisioned to showcase Matnog’s rich natural landscapes, river ecosystems, and unique cultural heritage while creating additional livelihood opportunities for local communities.

This undertaking is made possible through the continuing partnership among the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, the Local Government Unit of Matnog, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which aims to empower local communities through sustainable livelihood initiatives that complement tourism development efforts.

As part of the project development process, the Department of Tourism Bicol Region, under the leadership of Regional Director Herbie Aguas, will provide technical assistance and facilitate the conduct of a Tourism Rapid Site Assessment of the proposed tourism sites within the Municipality of Matnog on June 3, 2026.

The assessment will gather both quantitative and qualitative data necessary to evaluate the site's tourism potential, environmental sustainability, market viability, and overall feasibility. The findings and recommendations generated from the assessment will serve as critical inputs in crafting strategic interventions, development plans, and management frameworks to ensure the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the proposed tourism product.

The Tourism Rapid Site Assessment will be participated in by representatives from the Department of Tourism Region V, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon through SPTCAO, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) Sorsogon, the Local Government Unit of Matnog, and other key stakeholders and development partners.

This collaborative initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of Governor Hamor and Mayor Rodrigueza to advancing sustainable tourism development, promoting environmental stewardship, strengthening community participation, and creating inclusive economic opportunities for the people of Matnog and the Province of Sorsogon.

Together, through strong inter-agency collaboration and shared commitment, the vision of transforming Matnog into a premier ecotourism destination in the Bicol Region continues to move forward.

𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐋

The Department of Tourism Region V joins the City Government of Legazpi and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in solemn commemoration of the 100th Death Anniversary of General Jose Ignacio Paua at the General Paua Monument in Barangay Bañadero, Legazpi City.

As the only Chinese-Filipino general during the Philippine Revolution, General Paua’s extraordinary courage and sacrifices form a vital cornerstone of our local Bicolano history and national identity.

DOT Region V remains deeply committed to supporting the preservation of our cultural heritage and historical milestones, ensuring that the legacy of our local heroes continues to inspire both our community and the travelers who visit our beautiful region.

Dios mabalos! 🏛️✨

From the breathtaking waters of Caramoan to the hidden depths of Presentacion and the coastal beauty of Sagñay, the Dive Assessment across the Partido Area of Camarines Sur has officially concluded.

This exploration highlighted the region’s rich marine biodiversity and promising dive tourism potential, paving the way for sustainable tourism development and future underwater adventures in Bicol. 🌊🤿🇵🇭

⚠️ PUBLIC ADVISORY ⚠️
Travelers and tourists are hereby advised to exercise caution in dealing with the “Caramoan Island Tour Package,” which has been reportedly linked to multiple pending complaints involving alleged scamming activities. Furthermore, the said operator reportedly has no valid business permit or accreditation to legally operate within the Municipality of Caramoan.

For your safety, convenience, and peace of mind, we strongly encourage everyone to book only through LGU-accredited travel agencies, tour operators, and legitimate tourism establishments.
Let us all promote safe, responsible, and legitimate tourism in Caramoan.

Thank you.

𝟓𝟑 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬! 🇵🇭✨

Today, the DOT ROV joins the entire Department of Tourism in celebrating 53 years of showcasing the warmth, culture, and breathtaking beauty of our islands to the world. We are more than just destinations, we are a community of hearts dedicated to making every traveler feel at home.

Here’s to many more years of sustainable tourism, vibrant heritage, and showing the world why there is so much to LOVE about the Philippines!

The Masbate Leg of the Dive Assessment officially concludes today after exploring the waters of Placer, Esperanza, Pio V. Corpuz, and Balud. 🌊🐠

This journey across the southern part of Masbate Province uncovered dive sites rich in marine biodiversity, thriving coral reefs, and remarkable potential for recreational diving. Each destination showcased the beauty that lies beneath Masbate’s waters, a testament to the province’s growing potential as a sustainable dive tourism destination. 🪸✨

𝐀 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐑 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐌

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region V proudly joined the inaugural Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Association of Tourism Officers of Camarines Sur (ATOCS) today, May 8, 2026, at RPlace Sta. Teresita in Baao, Camarines Sur.

This historic event marks the first formal induction of the organization, officially swearing in 14 dedicated tourism officers. The ceremony is administered by DOT Region V Assistant Regional Director Maria Salee Mora which solidifies our shared commitment to advancing local tourism development, championing cultural preservation, and ensuring sustainable destination management throughout the province.

Congratulations to the newly inducted officers! We look forward to a stronger, more collaborative future for Camarines Sur's tourism industry. ✨

We’ve always been about the same thing: sharing the places, people, and stories that make us love the Philippines. 🇵🇭

Soon, you’ll find us under a new name: Tourism Philippines.

It’s a simple change, but one that brings everything you love together—one space, across all platforms, for all of us who love exploring the Philippines.

Stay with us as we continue telling our stories. Follow Tourism Philippines on IG, TikTok, X, and YouTube and keep discovering reasons to love the Philippines.