The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region III celebrated another milestone after Regional Director Richard G. Daenos received the Distinguished Cultural Stewardship & Visionary Leadership Award during the 3rd Philippine LEAF Awards held on May 21, 2026 at the Porac Municipal Sports and Cultural Center Gymnasium.

The award recognized Daenos for his leadership and continued support for cultural preservation, heritage promotion, and tourism development initiatives across Central Luzon.

According to DOT Region III, the recognition reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the region’s rich cultural heritage while advancing sustainable and community-based tourism programs.

The Philippine LEAF Awards honors outstanding Filipino artists, creatives, and cultural advocates in live entertainment, fashion, and festivals. This year’s edition, themed “Tertulia at Parangal sa Porac,” marked the first time the prestigious event was staged outside Metro Manila.

Hosted in Porac, the ceremony also highlighted Luzon’s cultural properties alongside notable personalities and organizations contributing to the preservation and promotion of Filipino arts and heritage.