Department of Tourism - Eastern Visayas Office

𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗼𝗴𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘆

As part of the Sogod Bay Underwater Experience, stakeholders gathered for Dive Conversations, a meaningful exchange centered on the value, future, and protection of Sogod Bay.

The activity opened with participants sharing their diving experiences and memorable encounters in Sogod Bay, reflecting on the marine life, underwater landscapes, and unique experiences that make the bay a remarkable dive destination.

Building on these shared experiences, members of the local community, tourism stakeholders, dive professionals, and partners reflected on the significance of Sogod Bay not only as a tourism asset but also as a vital marine ecosystem that supports local communities and livelihoods.

Participants also shared observations on the changes they have witnessed over the years, the challenges facing the marine environment, and the importance of collective action in safeguarding the bay for future generations.

The activity concluded with a Commitment Board, where stakeholders wrote their personal pledges for the protection and stewardship of Sogod Bay, reinforcing shared responsibility for its protection.

In observance of World Oceans Day, the initiative highlights the continuing call for collective action in protecting marine environments and promoting sustainable use of ocean resources for future generations.

𝗗𝗢𝗧𝟴 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘂𝘆𝗮𝗻

The Department of Tourism Region VIII (DOT8) led the turn-over of tourism support assets to the Kapunongan ng mga Son-Okanon Alang sa Kalambuan (KASAKA) on 15 May 2026 at Pintuyan Boulevard in Pintuyan.

The assistance included two motorized pump boats, two non-motorized bankas, 35 life vests, and 40 t-shirts intended to support the community’s tourism activities and strengthen local community-based tourism programs.

The turn-over forms part of efforts to enhance tourism services and improve safety and visitor experience for guests exploring the coastal and marine attractions of Pintuyan.

During the ceremony, beneficiary Raul Cordova shared the positive impact of the support on the community’s livelihood and tourism activities.

The activity also included the signing of the Deed of Donation and an acceptance message from KASAKA President Carlito Mosot, who expressed the association’s commitment to properly utilizing the assets for tourism operations and visitor services.

The DOT8 team, led by Regional Director Karina Rosa S. Tiopes, was present during the ceremony together with Eastern Visayas Tourism Association (EVTA) President Ma. Lourdes Bernadette Ruiz, EVTA Vice President Rhoel Ladera, KASAKA President Carlito Mosot, and Ms. Claire Castañares, representing Municipal Mayor Ricarte A. Estrella.

𝗗𝗢𝗧𝟴 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿; 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 “𝗣𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗡”

Ahead of the recently concluded Samar Fiesta Experience “PAMATRON,” the Department of Tourism Region 8 (DOT8) conducted a Tourism Appreciation and Awareness Seminar alongside the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training in Calbiga, Samar, on 7-8 May 2026.

The activity gathered 30 dedicated tourism frontliners, reinforcing the municipality’s readiness to welcome visitors through quality service and genuine Filipino hospitality. With the second day focused on FBSE training, participants were equipped with the values and standards essential in creating meaningful tourism experiences for guests exploring Samar.

Messages of support were delivered by SB Chair on Tourism, Culture & Arts Hon. Raymond Bordo and SB Member Hon. Sandra Mutia, who both reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening local tourism initiatives within the municipality.

Meanwhile, Mr. Etelbert Conde from the Office of the Provincial Tourism, Culture & Arts Officer shared an overview of the Samar Fiesta Experience “PAMATRON,” highlighting the importance of collaboration among tourism stakeholders in showcasing Samar’s rich culture and heritage.

The training was facilitated by FBSE Trainer Ms. Emily Jill T. Nival.

𝗗𝗢𝗧𝟴 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗕𝗦𝗘 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗼
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The Department of Tourism Region 8 (DOT8) conducted a back-to-back Tourism Awareness Seminar and Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training in the Municipality of Matuguinao on 6-7 May 2026, held at Camp-Pikas Inn, Matuguinao, Samar.

The two-day activity drew 50 participants, representing a diverse cross-section of the community, including tourism staff, barangay officials, tanods, culture and arts personnel, and uniformed personnel from the BFP and PNP.

The seminar played a crucial role in preparing the municipality for the upcoming launch of the Samar Fiesta Experience, “PAMATRON.” A key highlight of the activity was the afternoon workshop, where participants actively developed sample itineraries showcasing Matuguinao’s unique tourism assets while identifying strategic areas for further development and enhancement.

​The session on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) further equipped the participants with the essential skills to provide guests with a warm and professional experience, rooted in genuine Filipino hospitality.
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The training was facilitated by FBSE Trainer Mr. Antonio G. Cinco, Jr.
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𝗗𝗢𝗧-𝟴 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗴𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘆𝘁𝗲

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 8 opened the “Sogod Bay Underwater Experience” on 20 May 2026 in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, bringing together tourism stakeholders, dive operators, local officials, marine experts, and partners to highlight one of Eastern Visayas’ premier diving destinations.

Known for its abundant coral reefs, rich marine biodiversity, macro photography sites, and ethical whale shark interactions, Sogod Bay continues to gain recognition among both local and international divers, positioning it as one of the Philippines’ rising dive destinations.

DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa S. Tiopes delivered the opening message, followed by welcome remarks from Padre Burgos Mayor Maria Fe Crispina B. Poblete. Messages of support were also delivered by Southern Leyte Vice Governor Rosa Emilia G. Mercado and 2nd District Representative Christopherson “Coco” M. Yap.

Adding scientific depth to the opening, Mr. Jerome Jack O. Napala of Southern Leyte State University presented an overview of Sogod Bay’s marine biodiversity and ecological significance. Local dive operators likewise showcased the range of dive experiences available in the area, including PADI-certified courses, whale shark interaction activities, underwater photography opportunities, and guided dive tours across Sogod Bay.

A ceremonial highlight featured three divers—PSMS Nelson Tampil of the Philippine National Police (PNP), FO2 Kim Briones of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and dive master Louiel Jay Acampado of Peter’s Dive Resort—who descended into a pool fully geared in scuba equipment and surfaced carrying the event banner alongside the dive flag, marking the formal opening of the three-day underwater experience.

The event brought together Department of Tourism regional directors from key dive destinations across the country, including DOT Region V Director Herbie Aguas, DOT Region VI and NIR Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez, DOT Region X Director Marie Elaine Unchuan, and DOT Region XI Director Tanya Rabat-Tan. Their presence highlights a shared commitment to advancing sustainable dive tourism.

Activities will include guided dives in selected sites across Sogod Bay, coral planting, and a dive conversation focused on strengthening sustainable diving practices, marine protection efforts, and other-related matters.