Malay Stands Out as Finalist in ATOP PEARL Awards 2026

​MALAY, AKLAN — The Municipality of Malay has solidified its position as a major powerhouse in Philippine local governance and tourism after securing a prestigious finalist spot at the ATOP Pearl Awards 2026.
​Organized by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP), the national awards recognize excellence in local tourism initiatives, green practices, and community development across the country.
​Malay clinched its spot as a national finalist under the Best Tourism Month/Week Celebration (Municipality Level) category for its entry:
​Entry: “Tourism Week 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”
​Category: Best Tourism Month/Week Celebration (Municipality Level)
​Final Judging Schedule: September 9, 2026 | 1:00 PM
​The town’s showcase highlights its strategic push toward eco-friendly tourism frameworks, community-driven development, and sustainable transformations—reinforcing Malay’s position as a premier model for responsible destination management in the Philippines.
​Competing Across the Nation
In the Municipality Level category for Tourism Week/Month Celebrations, Malay joins two other top-tier contenders vying for the coveted award:
​Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur – “From Celebration to Transformation: How Sta. Maria Turned Tourism Month into a Community Movement”
​Malay, Aklan – “Tourism Week 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”
​Tanay, Rizal – “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation: Empowering Tourism Champions in Tanay”
​Local government officials and tourism stakeholders expressed pride in reaching the final judging stage of the national tilt, noting that the recognition reflects the community’s collective effort to balance economic vitality with environmental stewardship.
​The final presentation and judging panel convene today, September 9, 2026, where the winning local government unit will be selected.
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