Iligan Pushes Toward Becoming Northern Mindanao’s MICE Hub
Ang MICE Iligan Forum marked a major step in the city’s mission to become a regional center for business tourism and creative gatherings. Themed “Building the City of Gatherings and Growth”, the forum featured Department of Tourism – Northern Mindanao Office Regional Director Marie Elaine Salvaña-Unchuan as keynote speaker, alongside industry leaders and local government officials who discussed Iligan’s potential as a MICE destination.
Key participants included:
- Joel Pascual, Chairman of PACEOS.Org and Philippine MICE Academy
- Jane Marie Tabucan, Provincial Director of DTI Lanao del Norte
- City Administrator Darwin Manubag
- Dr. Steven P.C. Fernandez, representing HULMA-Iliganat ang Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG)
This forum supports the MICE and Business Tourism program under the leadership of Mayor Frederick Siao, Chief of Staff Jules Verne Padilla, Councilor Michelle Sweet, at Councilor Atty. Marlene Young, emphasizing collaboration between governance, industry, and education.
Strengthening Iligan’s Tourism and Creative Economy
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Paul Hui Lagura, Head of the Center for Digital Iligan, Innovation and Sustainability (CDIIS) and City Lead for MICE and Business Tourism. The panel brought together experts from various sectors including:
- Shayma L. Daison, Iligan City Tourism Office
- Girlie Maria Macapagal, Northern Mindanao Tour Guide Alliance
- Dr. Steven P.C. Fernandez, HULMA-Iligan / IPAG
- Anton Sheker, goiligan.com
- Jana Jean Dacobor, Lakbay Diyalogo Travel Services and Consultancy
- Lendon Lim, Old House
The discussion underscored the importance of strategic alignment between Iligan’s tourism development, creative industries, and business initiatives to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports the city’s growth agenda.
Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future
The event’s coordination was spearheaded by CDIISat ang Iligan City Tourism Office, led by Hanna Mae Padilla, in partnership with St. Michael’s College of Iligan, headed by S. Ma. Rodina M. Bongoc, RVM, serving as the official venue partner.
Participants from government, business, academia, and civil society contributed to discussions shaping Iligan’s trajectory as a competitive hub for MICE and creative tourism in Northern Mindanao.
Join Iligan’s Journey to Become the City of Gatherings and Growth
With growing collaboration among local leaders and industries, Iligan is poised to become Northern Mindanao’s next premier hub for MICE and creative tourism. Stay engaged with upcoming initiatives, forums, and opportunities that drive Iligan’s rise as a city of innovation and inclusive growth.
