The pristine waters surrounding Puerto Galera have earned the highest tourism honor, cementing its reputation as the country’s diving capital at the inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards.

Vice Mayor Rocky D. Ilagan accepted the Philippine Tourism Excellence Award for Dive Destination on behalf of Puerto Galera during Monday evening’s ceremony at Okada Manila’s Grand Ballroom, with Municipal Tourism Operations Officer Mary Christine Ibon.

The Department of Tourism’s most prestigious recognition for the 2025-2027 period acknowledges Puerto Galera’s exceptional marine biodiversity and world-class underwater experiences that have long attracted international diving enthusiasts.

“This victory opens countless opportunities for our municipality,” Ilagan said after receiving the award.

The accolade grants Puerto Galera complimentary participation in all international dive destination exhibitions, potentially expanding the town’s global visibility and tourist arrivals.

Puerto Galera has emerged as a premier diving hub thanks to its coral-rich waters, diverse marine life, and accessibility from Metro Manila.

The municipality’s underwater attractions include the renowned Sabang Point and Verde Island Passage, often called the “center of world’s marine biodiversity.”

Meanwhile, other places in Mimaropa region also win an award.

Puerto Princesa City captured the Cruise Destination award under the “Lakbay Dagat” program, recognizing the city’s growing prominence in maritime tourism.

The Boac Hotel in Marinduque received the Tourism Pillar Award, while Puerto Pension Inn in Puerto Princesa City earned the Mabuhay Accommodation distinction.

Joseph V. Estrada from Puerto Princesa was honored as Community Tour Guide, completing the region’s collection of top-tier awards.

Several MIMAROPA destinations secured finalist positions in various categories.

The Municipality of San Jose in Occidental Mindoro earned dual recognition as a finalist for both the Pamana Award for Living Cultures and the Likha Award for Art Tourism.

Tourism professionals Ann Roxanne De Vera-Rodrigo from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, and Christy F. Jimeno from Puerto Princesa City were both recognized among Community Tour Guide finalists.

Palawan’s tourism infrastructure gained additional recognition with Daluyon Beach Resort reaching the Resort category finals, the Calamianes Association of Tourism Establishments in Coron earning Tourism Association finalist status, and Dugong Dive Center in Coron named among Dive Operator finalists.