Puerto Princesa City earned two major recognitions at the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards, receiving the Event Organizer of the Year (Public) and Emerging Destination of the Year (2025) awards during the ceremony held on August 24, 2026, at the Manila Marriott Hotel.
Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, together with City Tourism Officer Demetrio Alvior, received the awards on behalf of the City Government and the people of Puerto Princesa. Joining the Mayor on stage are key sports and tourism dignitaries, including PSC Chairperson Patrick Gregorio, DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, and SELRAHCO President Charles Lim.
The twin recognitions highlight the city’s growing reputation as a sports tourism destination and its capability to organize and host major local, national, and international sporting events.
Throughout 2025, Puerto Princesa maintained an active sports calendar, hosting several notable events that brought athletes, delegates, and visitors to the city, including:
* World Table Tennis Youth Contender (February 12-15, 2025)
* IRONMAN 70.3 / Princesa Run / IRONKIDS (February 28–March 2, 2025)
* MIMAROPA RAA Meet (March 10–15, 2025)
* Philippine Beach Games (May 1–4, 2025)
* 4th International Dragon Boat Club Crew Festival & National Open 2025 (October 23–26, 2025)
These events showcased Puerto Princesa’s ability to host diverse sporting competitions while generating opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, tourism establishments, local businesses, and communities.
The latest honors build on the city’s growing track record in sports tourism. Puerto Princesa was previously recognized as Organizer of the Year (Government) at the 6th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards and successfully hosted the 2024 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships, welcoming elite paddlers from around the world.
Under Mayor Bayron’s leadership, the City Government, through the City Sports Office and City Tourism Office, continues to strengthen partnerships and support initiatives that bring major sporting events to Puerto Princesa while showcasing the city’s facilities, natural attractions, and hospitality.
The momentum continues in 2026 as Puerto Princesa prepares to host two major international table tennis events: the WTT Youth Contender Puerto Princesa from September 3 to 6, 2026, followed by the WTT Feeder Puerto Princesa from September 8 to 12, 2026.
Looking ahead to 2027, Puerto Princesa will once again take the international stage as host of the ICF Dragon Boat Club Crew World Championships from October 28 to 31, 2027, further strengthening the city’s presence on the global sports tourism map.
With two new national recognitions and more international sporting events ahead, Puerto Princesa continues to strengthen its position as a premier sports tourism destination, bringing the city to an even wider global stage.
Congratulations, Puerto Princesa!
