The Island Garden City of Samal’s Pearl Farm Beach Resort was the lone establishment from Mindanao recognized in the 7th ASEAN Green Hotel Standard Awards for Philippines at ASEAN Tourism Forum held last January 16 at The Empire in Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam.
Department of Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, who also attended the ASEAN tourism ministers meetings, handed the award to Pearl Farm Beach Resort sales and marketing manager Katherine Dizon.
“We always aim to be a green resort and lead in promoting sustainable tourism in Samal. We’re also very grounded in local culture, using tapestries and other items made by different Mindanao tribes,” Dizon said.
Through its WeCare campaign, the 5-star resort has initiated in eliminating single-use plastic, rendered proper waste segregation, upgraded their water treatment facilities, and established the resort as a marine sanctuary.
“This recognition has made our team proud, and thankful. Even without it though, we still continue with our green practices as it is part of our commitment in making Pearl Farm synonymous to eco-tourism,” she added.
Pearl Farm received the same recognition during ATF 2016 in Manila.
“DOT Davao is extensively pushing for sustainable and responsible tourism programs to preserve our resources in order re-create a better experience for our visitors,” said regional director Tanya Rabat Tan.
ASEAN Green Hotel Standard criteria include environmental friendly policies and activities for hotel operation; use of green products; collaboration with local community organizations; energy efficiency; water efficiency; air quality management; control of noise pollution; wastewater management and treatment; toxic and chemical substance disposal management.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort joins Amarela Resort, Amorita Resort and Bohol Beach Club Resort of Bohol, and Seda Hotel Nuvali of Laguna in this year’s roster of winners in the said category.
The ASEAN Tourism Forum also recognized San Carlos, Baguio and Iloilo cities for the 2nd ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award; JPark Island Resort of Cebu, Marriott Hotel Manila, Bai Hotel. Conrad Manila and Princess Garden Island Resort for the 2nd ASEAN MICE Venue Standard 2020-2022; and Tanay, Rizal for Rural Sustainable Product and Palawan Urban Heritage Tour for Urban Sustainable Project for the 2nd ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Standard Award.
