MANILA, Philippines — The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines held its annual Pasasalamat gathering on 10 December 2025 at the TPB offices in Pasay City. Bringing together journalists, content creators, and industry partners, the event celebrated a year of shared storytelling and strengthened collaboration. Led by TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, the gathering served as a tribute to the individuals and organizations that continue to shape the world’s understanding of the Philippines.

In her address, COO Nograles acknowledged the vital role of the media in uplifting the country’s image and amplifying the voices of local communities, especially in a year marked by unprecedented challenges.

“No one can define the Philippines better than Filipinos,” Nograles shared. “So much of how the world sees our country—its heart and its beauty—begins with the narratives you help build.”

Despite a series of disruptions brought by storms and other crisis events, Nograles emphasized that “the Philippines remains blessed with breathtaking natural wonders that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.” With 7,641 islands operating at different rhythms, she highlighted how many destinations remained safe, open, and welcoming throughout the year.

Global Recognition Amid Challenges

Even as communities navigated recovery, 2025 became a remarkable year for the Philippines on the global stage. Filipino destinations and talents captured worldwide attention—from the Michelin Guide honoring Filipino culinary excellence to Olivia Rodrigo proudly embracing her Filipino heritage and amplifying cultural pride globally.

At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Philippine Pavilion—anchored in community, craftsmanship, and sustainability—earned the prestigious BIE Silver Plaque for Exhibition Design.

“While the year brought its share of difficulties, the world also saw the very best of us,” Nograles said. “These recognitions matter. They influence perception just as strongly as headlines do.”

Each guest received a limited-edition Expo 2025 Osaka hoodie, once exclusive to the Pavilion’s HABI shop and no longer available to the public—a gesture of gratitude for the media’s continued support.

Strengthening Filipino Tourism Through Meaningful Programs

COO Nograles also highlighted TPB’s key initiatives designed to uplift communities and promote sustainable, immersive travel.

The Community-Based Tourism (CBT) program continues to champion artisans, weavers, and cultural practitioners by connecting them with markets, capacity-building opportunities, and platforms that protect heritage while strengthening livelihoods.

Domestically, TPB expanded the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) program through nationwide circuits, while also promoting cyclo-tourism as a sustainable and immersive way to experience the country’s landscapes by bike. The Regional Travel Fair remained a vital platform for promoting local destinations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Through the Domestic Tourism Invitational Program, TPB members gained firsthand understanding of destinations—enhancing their ability to design accurate, competitive packages while adopting best practices directly from communities.

“These programs reflect one vision,” Nograles noted, “to champion travel that is meaningful, community-rooted, and sustainable—experiences that honor both our people and our landscapes.”

TPB’s Strong Performance in 2024–2025

Nograles also underscored the Tourism Promotions Board’s strong performance over the past two years. In 2024, TPB operated with a ₱2.49-billion budget and achieved a 97.97% utilization rate—the highest in the agency’s history.

This efficiency translated into ₱22.5 billion in actual sales, ₱4.2 billion in media values, and nearly 20,000 B2B meetings with global buyers. The agency garnered multiple accolades, including being named Best National Tourism Organization in Asia by TTG Asia for the third consecutive year and being honored by TripZilla as Sustainability Leader of the Year.

TPB was further recognized by the Department of Finance for its dividend remittance to the National Government. At the GCG Annual Awarding Ceremony, the agency was cited as one of the Most Improved GOCCs for CY 2024 and received the award for Best Sustainability Initiatives, underscoring TPB’s commitment to sustainable operations and good governance.

Looking ahead, TPB is preparing for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, where the Philippines will host and lead TRAVEX, the region’s premier B2B travel trade platform.

A Call for Continued Partnership

In closing, COO Nograles emphasized the irreplaceable role of media and creators in shaping global perception.

“You are the bridge between what happens and how the world understands it,” she said. “Your stories shape confidence. Your work shapes perception. And together, we shape the future of Philippine tourism.”

TPB encouraged partners to stay engaged, collaborate more closely, and join upcoming programs designed to support accurate, compelling, and meaningful storytelling about the Philippines.

“This gathering is only the beginning,” Nograles added. “Let’s continue building this story together.”