The Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) is a nationwide campaign of the DOT under the Administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. which aims to foster countrywide tourism development among cities and municipalities by encouraging Local Chief Executives/Mayors to propose tourism-related projects that will support growth in their local communities and benefit the national economy as a whole. By improving local competencies with the guidance of the DOT and support from TIEZA, the TCC is envisioned to produce excellent and notable tourism projects, incorporating sustainable, inclusive and resilient strategies ~ DOT-MIMAROPA 2023.

The Municipality of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro submitted their proposal entitled: Pinagpalang Lagusan sa Bakawanan: A Mangrove Forest Park Development that aims to conserve the 12-hectare biodiversity area by constructing a 925-meter mangrove boardwalk using eco-friendly materials to ensure sustainability, while also rejuvenating its tourism spots.

The awarding was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and DOT Secretary, Christina Garcia Frasco, the Municipality of Sablayan was awarded an additional funding of 15,000,000.00 pesos to support the implementation of the said project at PICC, Pasay City last April 15, 2024.

Photo credits to: Department of Tourism – MIMAROPA Office