Iloilo City is once again drawing regional attention for its clean and welcoming environment. Recognized for its efforts in creating a tourist-friendly and sustainable urban space, the city continues to stand out as a model destination in Southeast Asia.
Iloilo City opened 2026 with renewed regional attention as it secured the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for the second time. The recognition highlights years of steady work on cleanliness, environmental care, and visitor-friendly spaces. It places Iloilo once more among Southeast Asia’s well-managed urban destinations.
What the Award Looks For
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award is part of the ASEAN Tourism Standards launched in 2008 to raise the bar for sustainable tourism. Cities are assessed on clean streets, green public areas, waste management systems, and safe, organized tourist facilities. Public toilets, transport terminals, and tourism centers are also closely evaluated.
Effort Beyond City Hall
Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu credited the recognition to collective discipline and cooperation among Ilonggos. She emphasized that everyday habits of residents play a key role in keeping the city orderly and welcoming. The award reflects a people-centered approach rather than a single government effort.
Checked and Verified
Validation and on-site inspection were conducted on July 25, 2025 by the Department of Tourism Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation with the DOT Western Visayas. Inspectors reviewed public spaces, environmental protection measures, and solid waste systems. The official awarding ceremony is set on January 30, 2026 in Cebu City.
A Record of Green Wins
Iloilo City previously received the same ASEAN award for the 2020–2022 cycle, following earlier inspections on traffic management and environmental policies. In 2015, it also earned the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable City Award for the Iloilo-Batiano River Development Project. The river cleanup transformed a once-polluted waterway into a model of urban rehabilitation.
Beyond ASEAN, Iloilo has been named a Role Model City by the United Nations Environment Programme and ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center. The recognition highlights its use of nature-based solutions and contributions to the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. Together, these honors strengthen Iloilo City’s image as a leader in clean tourism and sustainable urban development.
