(CATARMAN TOURISM, CULTURE AND THE ARTS OFFICE FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY — Tourism officers from across Eastern Visayas have elected a new set of leaders tasked with strengthening regional collaboration and advancing sustainable tourism development during the Eastern Visayas Tourism Officers Assembly held on June 4, 2026, at Summit Hotel Tacloban.
Elected as president of the Eastern Visayas Tourism Officers Association (EVTOA) was Neil Alejandro Pinarok, tourism officer of Eastern Samar. He will head the organization and lead efforts to promote tourism growth and foster stronger partnerships among local tourism stakeholders throughout the region.
Arnie Vina, tourism officer of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte was elected executive vice president. Ador Hurtado, tourism officer of Catbalogan City, was chosen as area vice president for Samar Island, while Jescyn Ramos, tourism officer of Leyte province, was elected area vice president for the Leyte-Biliran-Southern Leyte cluster.
Completing the executive board are Nathan Abinguna of Daram, Samar as secretary general, Javin Naval of Javier, Leyte as treasurer, Nuyen Borgueta of Caibiran, Biliran as auditor, and Chammy Comillas of Abuyog, Leyte as public relations officer.
The newly elected board of directors includes Mario Piczon representing Samar province, Ma. Josette Doctor for Northern Samar, and Dionisio Oliva Jr. for Biliran province. Representatives for Eastern Samar and Leyte are yet to be named.
The association also elected provincial representatives to further strengthen coordination among local tourism offices.
Chosen for the posts were Randy Tobias of Catarman for Northern Samar, Sarah Afable of Arteche for Eastern Samar, Justo Morabor of Jiabong for Samar, Sharmaine Inalisan of Carigara for Leyte, Rhena Mecaydor of Almeria for Biliran, and Jonathan Estrella of Silago for Southern Leyte.
Following his election, Pinarok expressed gratitude to fellow tourism officers for their confidence and support, emphasizing the importance of unity in promoting the region’s tourism industry.
“Thank you, my dear fellow tourism officers, for your trust and confidence. Here’s to a more vibrant, interactive, and resilient EVTOA. Let’s work together to make Eastern Visayas the next big thing in tourism,” he said.
Association members said the election reflects their collective commitment to unified leadership and continued cooperation in enhancing the region’s tourism sector.
The newly elected officers are expected to spearhead programs and initiatives that promote sustainable tourism development, improve destination marketing, and strengthen partnerships among local government tourism offices across Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
