PASAY CITY, Philippines — Maguindanao del Sur (MagSur) of the Bangsamoro region emerged as the overall provincial winner at the 37th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on Sept. 4-6, sweeping three major recognitions for its booth, cultural presentation, and visitor engagement at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
The Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Sur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT), showcased the province’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, tourism destinations, and local products throughout the three-day travel fair. The province secured the following awards:
• 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 – 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵, 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆
• 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 – 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
(Adat Betad Cultural Ensemble)
• 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲’𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱
The province’s wins highlighted the strong reception of its cultural identity and tourism offerings among industry stakeholders and PTM attendees.
Cotabato City also earned recognition, placing 1st Runner-Up in the Best Booth (LGU/Municipality Category).
Representing Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Governor Datu Ali Midtimbang, Vice Mayor Mary Joy Estaphanie Uy-Midtimbang expressed her gratitude for the province’s performance at the national tourism event.
“Hindi matumbasan ang saya namin ngayon. Nakikita na nila na maraming magagandang turismo sa Maguindanao del Sur,” she said.
MTIT Bureau of Tourism (BOT) Director Engr. Marites K. Maguindra described the achievement as a historic milestone for the province.
“It is truly historical na nag-grand slam ang isang probinsiya,” Maguindra said.
She added that the recognition opens doors for increased visitation, capacity development, destination enhancement, and the creation of market-ready tour packages.
For Yusop E. Dimaporo, an MTIT-supported entrepreneur and contractor behind the award-winning booth, the design was inspired by faith tourism and a commitment to uplift local weavers and product artisans.
“Gusto natin ipakita sa mundo na we Muslims from the Bangsamoro region, and all over the Philippines, are peacemakers,” Dimaporo shared, noting that the booth reflected the world-class quality of Bangsamoro products and services. He also credited the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Sur for its unwavering support.
The achievement places Maguindanao del Sur in the national tourism spotlight while highlighting the broader potential of Bangsamoro as a region rich in culture, heritage, and unique local offerings.
For visitors looking beyond conventional destinations, Bangsamoro offers an untapped cultural journey—and Maguindanao del Sur is only the beginning. (𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙮𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣/𝙈𝙏𝙄𝙏 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙨 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣)
