Photo by: Zambales Tourism
By: Dante M. Salvaña
SUBIC BAY, Zambales — Tourism enterprises, local governments, universities and community organizations across Central Luzon are stepping up efforts to make sustainability, environmental protection and climate resilience part of the region’s tourism growth strategy.
Fourteen tourism stakeholders were recognized at the Central Luzon Star Awards held on September 11, 2026 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, in recognition of initiatives that promote responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation and community development.
Organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Department of Tourism Region 3 (DOT-3), the awards put the spotlight on tourism players that are moving beyond conventional destination promotion and incorporating sustainability into their operations and community programs.
Despite bad weather affecting parts of Central Luzon, awardees and tourism stakeholders traveled from various areas of the region to attend the ceremony, underscoring the importance they place on advancing sustainable tourism and being recognized for their efforts.
Balangay Apuy Community Tour Guides Association emerged as a major awardee, receiving both the Green Tourism Champion Award for environmental leadership and the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Award for helping preserve local traditions, stories and cultural roots.
Quest Plus Conference Center Clark received the Green Stay Excellence Award for integrating environmentally responsible operations with hospitality, while Sierra360 Café & Restaurant of Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm was given the Salt of Sustainability Award for responsible sourcing and support for local producers.
Desmond Farm and Partners, Inc./Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm received the Sustainable Sanctuary Award, while Puni de Malolos won the Bridges of Change Award for corporate responsibility and community partnerships.
Mimosa Plus Golf Course was named recipient of the Path to Purpose Award, while Lake Farm de la Marre received the Sustainable Attraction Excellence Award for protecting natural and cultural resources while creating meaningful visitor experiences.
The Municipal Tourism Office of LGU Masinloc received the Green Gatherings Excellence Award, and Ragsak Farm Village won the Roots and Reefs Tourism Award for protecting land and marine ecosystems.
Central Luzon State University (CLSU) received two major honors—the Destination Stewardship Champion Award and the Sustainable Tourism Education Leadership Award—for its work in destination governance, community empowerment, education, research and outreach.
The Pinatubo Mountaineero–Inararo Indigenous People Community received the Community-Based Tourism Legacy Award, while LGU Malolos was recognized with the Resilient Destination Award for climate-responsive destination planning.
The awards reflect the growing recognition that sustainability is no longer simply an environmental advocacy but an increasingly important component of tourism competitiveness, destination management and long-term economic growth.
For SBMA and DOT-3, the Central Luzon Star Awards also highlight how businesses, communities, academe and local governments can work together to build tourism destinations that are competitive, resilient and environmentally responsible.