TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to highlight the achievements of Eastern Visayans and strengthen regional pride, the Department of Tourism Regional Office VIII (DOT-8), in partnership with Tingog Partylist, has launched a new recognition program that will honor outstanding individuals contributing to the region’s development.
The initiative, dubbed the Outstanding Eastern Visayan Awards (OEVA), seeks to recognize residents who have shown exemplary performance in leadership, public service, and other fields that have significantly impacted communities across Eastern Visayas.
DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the awards are not only about recognition but also about telling the stories of individuals whose work reflects the region’s identity and progress.
“When we talk about awards in Eastern Visayas, we realize—there are many, and they matter. But beyond the programs and performance indicators, there are people. These are stories worth telling again and again—stories that can inspire a young student, a budding entrepreneur, or a dreamer to believe that excellence is possible here at home,” Tiopes said.
She emphasized that the OEVA aligns with DOT’s broader tourism vision of promoting people-centered destinations, where culture, identity, and human stories are placed at the forefront.
“Tourism is not just about places—it is about people, stories, and identity. When visitors come to Eastern Visayas, what they remember most are the people—their strength, creativity, and excellence,” she added.
Tiopes also clarified that the awards will not be based on popularity, stressing that nominees will undergo a formal screening process and will be evaluated by a panel of judges from various sectors.
The OEVA will recognize individuals in several categories, including public service, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, science, environmental sustainability, arts and culture, youth leadership, journalism and communication, as well as faith and philanthropy. The selection body may also confer special distinctions such as the Outstanding Legacy of Excellence and the Regional Distinction Award.
Tingog Partylist representative Alexis Yu said the program aims to highlight individuals whose contributions embody leadership, integrity, and service to the public.
Nominations for the OEVA opened on April 10 and will run until May 15. The awarding ceremony is set for June 27.
Interested nominators may submit entries through the official OEVA social media page or at the DOT-8 regional office.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
