TACLOBAN CITY– The Eastern Visayas Tourism Association (EVTA) has elected a new set of officers during its Tourism Stakeholders Assembly held on October 7, 2025, at The Tropics in MacArthur Park, Palo, Leyte.
At least 86 tourism stakeholders from various provinces across Eastern Visayas attended the landmark election, which marked a significant step in strengthening collaboration and innovation in the region’s tourism sector.
Ma. Lourdes Bernadette Ruiz of Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours was elected president, with Rhoel Ladera of Haven’s Tourist Transport and San Juanico Cruises as vice president.
Other officers include Mark Anthony Simbajon (secretary), Donna Fe Batan (treasurer), Bella Pacuri (auditor), and Jan May Cruz (public information officer).
The board of trustees is composed of Anito Lantice of The Tropics at MacArthur Park, Reynaldo Franco of RBTC, Alyssa Myrr Bertulfo of Summit Hotel Tacloban, Almira Calbes of NWSSU University Hotel and Restaurant, Benjie Belarmino of PATCORP, Harvey Macaso of Blueline Travel and Tours, and Derick Porlares of Derick’s Travel and Tours.
The new officers took their oath of office before Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes, underscoring the strong partnership between EVTA and government tourism agencies.
Ruiz expressed gratitude for the trust given to the new leadership and vowed to continue promoting collaboration and sustainable tourism development in the region.
The EVTA serves as the only umbrella organization representing all tourism stakeholders in Eastern Visayas, bringing together tour and travel agencies, hotels and resorts, transport operators, guides, and community-based tourism enterprises.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
