More than a trophy on the shelf, Iloilo City’s renewed recognition as an ASEAN Clean Tourist City highlights how everyday discipline, environmental care, and community cooperation have quietly reshaped the city into one of Southeast Asia’s most livable urban destinations.
The city once again earned the prestigious ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award following a comprehensive on-site validation by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office–Office of Tourism Standards on July 25, 2025.
The recognition builds on Iloilo City’s previous award for the 2020–2022 cycle, signaling sustained compliance with regional standards on cleanliness, sustainability, and responsible tourism.
City officials said the achievement reflects not only policy direction but the active participation of residents in maintaining order, waste management, and public spaces—key factors measured under the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard.
Mayor Raisa S. Treñas credited the recognition to what she described as a shared civic culture among Ilonggos.
“This honor is not solely for the city government. It belongs to every Ilonggo who practices discipline, respects public spaces, and works with us to keep Iloilo clean, safe, and people-centered,” she said.
Under the ACTCS framework, ASEAN cities are assessed using indicators that evaluate environmental protection, tourism quality, community involvement, and urban sustainability. The standard aims to improve tourism competitiveness while protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for local residents.
Tourism officials noted that cities meeting the standard are better positioned to attract visitors while ensuring that economic gains from tourism do not come at the expense of environmental health or community welfare.
The awarding ceremony for the latest batch of ASEAN Clean Tourist City awardees is scheduled on January 30, 2026, in Cebu City.
For Iloilo City, the repeat recognition comes as both validation and responsibility. Local leaders said the challenge moving forward is to sustain gains, adapt to climate-related risks, and further strengthen people-centered tourism initiatives.
City Hall reiterated its call for continued public cooperation, stressing that cleanliness and sustainability are long-term commitments rather than seasonal efforts.
As Iloilo City joins other ASEAN destinations recognized for urban sustainability, officials said the real measure of success lies in how residents continue to benefit from a cleaner environment, safer public spaces, and a tourism industry that grows without leaving communities behind.IMT
