20 September 2025 | News by PISD
A total of 18 individuals, groups, and institutions of culture, arts, and tourism in the province were honored on Gabi ng Pagkilala 2025 held at Jolly Waves Water Park and Resort, Sapul, Calapan City on Friday, 19 September.
Led by the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro (PGOM) under the leadership of Governor Humerlito “Bonz†A. Dolor, this program was facilitated by the Provincial Tourism Office through Provincial Tourism Officer Dr. Dhon Stepherson Calda as part of the Tourism Month celebration this September.
By the virtue of Provincial Ordinance No. 139-2022 known as the Provincial Tourism Code of Oriental Mindoro, this program aims to recognize and honor individuals, groups, and institutions that made significant contributions to the development of arts, culture, and tourism in the province.
Awards were given for the Gawad Pamana sa Sining at Kultura (GPSK), and the Local Tourism Stakeholders Excellence Award (LTSEA), which consists of two categories: Government Sector and Private Sector.
For the GPSK 2025 Award enacted by the Provincial Ordinance No. 150-2023, nine finalists from different towns in Oriental Mindoro competed, with only three being recognized as GPSK 2025 Awardees, who received a trophy and Php 75,000.00.
The following are honored as GPSK 2025 awardees:
- Maria Fernandina “Ditta†R. Sandicon (Bulalacao) – an applied visual artist and a fashion designer;
- Nayhan B. Using (Mansalay) – a native Mangyan known as a mother of the art of weaving in their community; and
- Cristina A. Malayawan (Naujan) – a member of Alangan Mangyan known for her folk dances and songs showing the culture and traditions of their community.
Meanwhile, 15 tourism leaders from the National and Local government, as well as from the private sector, were honored as LTSEA 2025 Awardees, who received a trophy and Php 40,000.00.
The following are LTSEA 2025 Awardees for the Government Sector category:
- Jezreel M. Bernadit (Municipal Tourism Office of Pinamalayan) – Local Tourism Officer Worker Awardee;
- Provincial Director Arnel E. Hutalla (Department of Trade and Industry (DTI Oriental Mindoro) – Development Manager Awardee;
- Elena O. Catampungan ( Provincial Cooperative Development Office) – Community Organizer Awardee;
- Sienna May M. Uy ( DTI) – Hospitality Trainer Awardee; and
- Jay Mark Y. Bacay (Licenser Officer III LGU Naujan) – Business Licensing Officer Awardee.
LTSEA 2025 Awardees for the Private Sector category:
- Analien B. Dimayacyac (John and Ann Travel Resort)- Travel and Tour Operator Awardee;
- Vicente S. Dela Pe̱a (DOT-accredited tour guide in Puerto Galera) РTour Guide Awardee;
- Baby P. Caring (Resort Staff lead of Tambaron Green Beach Resort)- Resort and Hotel Staff Awardee;
- Dexter John B. Mazon (Nanay Goya’s Restaurant) – Restaurant Owner Awardee;
- Nelson B. Gabutero (Gabutero Organic Farm) – Farm Tourism Site Operator Awardee;
- Fred F. Madera (Samahan ng Mangingisda at Magsasaka ng Pocanil, Bulalacao) – Community-Based Site Manager;
- Darwin M. Bequillo (Byahe ni Dar) – Travel Influencer Awardee;
- Ponciano G. Sumayod, Jr. (Puerto Galera Transport Service Cooperative) – Transpport Provider Awardee;
- Reynaldo “Popo Te†Lintawagin (representative of Manggagawang Mangyan Alangan) – Souvenir and Handicraft Maker Awardee; and
- Rhea B. De Guzman ( instructor at Mindoro State University-Bongabong Campus) – Academic and Training Officer Awardee.
In addition to the plaque of recognition, the finalists of the GPSK Award also received Php 21,000.00, while the finalists of LTSEA received Php 10,000.00.
In his message, Gov. Dolor expressed his gratitude to the outstanding advocates of arts and culture in the province, and acknowledged their significant contributions as partners of PGOM in the ongoing development of tourism and economy of Oriental Mindoro.
He also shared his “One town, One legacy” project, which he assured would further help in expanding tourism programs in the province.
Meanwhile, the Governor was joined in the recognition by Vice-Governor Antonio CA “Jojo” Perez, Jr, First Lady Hiyas Govinda Ramos-Dolor, SB Member Farrah Fay Ilano-Navarro, SB Member Jean Paulo Umali, and Governor’s Office Chief of Staff Maria Nenita D. Dalupan.
Additionally, the event also featured the performances of Kawayan Band of Puerto Galera National High School and MUNHI Himig Kwerdas Rondalla, and a Mini Trade Fair showcased the local products of Oriental Mindoro.
This prestigious program is still a part of the celebration of Fiesta Mahal Tana: The 75th Day of Oriental Mindoro.