Agusan del Sur province emerged as a big winner in the recent 2025 Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) National Tourism Pearl Awards, clinching multiple honors that underscored its growing reputation as a tourism destination anchored on community, culture, and nature.
According to the Agusan del Sur Provincial Tourism Office, the awards is a recognition that genuine tourism success thrives in unity, dedication, and pride in culture and the environment.
The province’s AgsurVenture 2024, organized by the Provincial Tourism Office, was named Grand Winner in ‘Best Tourism Local Event Hosting (Provincial Level)’ for showcasing adventure, agri-tourism, and cultural attractions.
The municipality of Sibagat also took home a major prize after its video entry, ‘Sibat: An Escape to the Haven of Healing,’ was declared ‘Grand Winner in Best Promotional Video (Municipal Category)’. The feature highlighted local destinations including abaca weaving, Pinandagatan Falls, Yugos Canyon, lauan forest, and Manangi ecofarm.
In addition, the Lake Panlabuhan floating village was awarded 1st Runner-Up in ‘Best Practices for Community-Based Tourism,’ affirming the strength of grassroots-led initiatives in sustainable tourism