By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. announced that Alexie Brooks will be the province’s ambassador for promoting barangays as community hubs for tourism events and activities.
“It is very beautiful and very timely that we have an ambassador for our tourism. Timely because we are about to launch our next executive order (EO) for this,” he said, extending his congratulations to the Ilongga beauty during a press conference on Thursday, May 23.
“We will have Alexie as our ambassador, especially since she is Miss Eco International because one of the areas of our tourism industry is eco-tourism,” he added.
Brooks was crowned Miss Eco International Philippines 2025 during the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation night in Pasay City. She will compete in Egypt next year.
The 23-year-old beauty queen is from the town of Leon and represented Iloilo City in the national pageant.
The EO, which is currently being finalized, also stipulates that the villages will serve as the point of care for tourists, in line with the province’s tourism development plan.
Defensor said the EO is expected to be approved next week.
As the ambassador, Brooks will be at the forefront of a barangay-focused approach to implementing the province’s tourism development strategies.
“She will help us promote the EO. We will sell the province and city of Iloilo to our tourists,” he added.
Defensor emphasized that barangays, being the smallest units of government, are the primary venues for tourism events and the core of provincial programs. Therefore, investing in their tourism industry is crucial.
“We will engage the barangay. We want our frontline beneficiaries to also be our frontline mover,” he added.
Defensor said the EO will focus on three key areas: culture, food, and the natural environment. These pillars aim to showcase the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
The provincial government has yet to discuss the homecoming celebration for the Ilongga beauty queen.
