Regine Faye Munda Cruz - the woman behind the blooming tourism industry of Balbalan

Balbalan, Kalinga – The Balbalan Tourism has been growing and blooming in the past years with the municipality picking awards after awards along the way – one of the people responsible for these milestones is the Municipal Tourism Officer, Regine Faye Munda Cruz.

As the Province of Kalinga celebrates the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary this September, the Provincial Local Government Unit recognizes 125 outstanding government employees across the province through featuring their stories of exceptional service by the Kalinga Provincial Information Office. One of these 125 is the Balbalan Municipal Tourism Officer.

Through her hard work and dedication to service, Regine and her team at the Municipal Tourism Office, through the support of the Local Government Unit of Balbalan headed by Mayor Almar Malannag, were able to get major awards for Balbalan in the recent years.

The latest is the Philippine Tourism Award, one of the highest recognition in the country’s tourism industry where Balbalan was named Eco Tourism Destination of the Year national finalist. Regine together with Mayor Almar received the citation at the Okada Manila in Paranaque City on September 8.

Other awards the LGU received included being a runner up in 2022 and 2023 Search for Best Tourism Village for Balbalasang Eco Village and Tawang, Liyang Sanctuary Village, respectively; 3rd place in 2023 Search for Best Tourism Village (Balbalasang Eco Village); and 3rd place in 2024 Search for Best Tourism Village (Tawang, Liyang Sanctuary Village).

Balbalan is likewise a regional nominee for the 2025 ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards under Community-Based Award (Balbalasang Eco Village) and 2025 UNWTO Best Tourism Village.

In 2024, Balbalan’s tourism office was named the top 1 in the province in the ‘early, consistent and complete submission of tourism statistics report’.

Beyond these accolades, meantime, Regine was described having the extraordinary heart to serve her fellow iBalbalans, believing public service go hand in hand with integrity, empathy, and hard work. Thus, her inclusion in the 125 Outstanding Employees in Kalinga.

For her part, Regine thanked the Provincial LGU for acknowledging her efforts and commitment for the development of Balbalan tourism, saying, “it is truly an honor to serve and contribute to our community’s growth.”