SAN JUAN City has cemented its reputation as a burgeoning cultural hub, securing three major accolades at the prestigious Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards 2026.
Leading the city’s triumphant sweep is City Tourism Officer Brian M. Geli, who clinched the Grand Winner award for Most Outstanding Tourism Officer of the Philippines under the Highly Urbanized Cities Category.
His winning entry, “Building a Tourism Legacy: Heritage, Innovation, and Sustainable Leadership,” recognizes his impactful contributions to heritage preservation, innovative tourism frameworks, and sustainable leadership.
Adding to the prestige, San Juan earned 1st Runner-Up for Best Tourism Month Celebration for its campaign, “San Juan City Tourism Month: Celebrating Heritage, Creativity, and Community.”
The accolade celebrates the local government’s dedication to showcasing its rich history through deeply engaging public programs.
Furthermore, the city’s iconic Wattah! Wattah! Festival was named a Finalist for Best Tourism Event – Cultural Festival.
Entitled “Wattah! Wattah! Festival 2025: A Safer Tradition, A Stronger Celebration,” the entry highlighted San Juan’s successful reforms to safeguard its centuries-old water-dousing tribute to patron saint St. John the Baptist while championing a safer, more organized, and inclusive event.
These distinctions reinforce San Juan City’s commitment to sustainable tourism and cultural identity. Officials noted that the triple victory reflects a broader triumph for the National Capital Region (NCR).
The impressive haul of awards across Metro Manila local government units demonstrates the region’s evolving capability to thrive as a diverse tourism powerhouse—moving far beyond its traditional reputation as merely a commercial and government hub.
Organized annually, the ATOP Pearl Awards celebrate local government units and leaders who champion excellence, creativity, and sustainability.
With these milestones, San Juan City and the wider NCR continue to set a high benchmark for tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and community empowerment.