Calbayog Vice Mayor Checks Hotels, Pushes Plan to Turn City into Region 8’s Mice Hub

Posted on July 5, 2026 at 9:38 am

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar — Vice Mayor Rex Daguman conducted a citywide inspection of hotels and lodging facilities on Saturday, June 6, as part of efforts to assess Calbayog’s readiness to host major regional events, particularly conferences and large-scale meetings.

Daguman visited several hotels and accommodation establishments across Calbayog to conduct a room inventory and evaluate available capacity ahead of planned initiatives to attract regional conventions and exhibitions to the city.

Calbayog, a 1st-class component city in Northern Samar, has a population of over 200,000 residents and is considered one of the key urban centers in Samar Island. Known for its natural attractions and growing urban infrastructure, the city has increasingly positioned itself as a potential destination for tourism and business-related events in Eastern Visayas.

During the inspection, Daguman emphasized his long-term goal of developing Calbayog into a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) hub for the region.

“My goal is clear: I want Calbayog to become the MICE capital of Region 8,” Daguman said. “We have the potential to host conferences, exhibits, and big meetings.”

He added that the city must continue improving its hospitality and event infrastructure to meet the standards expected by regional and national organizers.

“We are not just preparing for events; we are preparing for opportunities,” he said. “Every guest who leaves impressed is another reason for someone else to come back.”

Daguman noted that the ongoing assessment of hotel capacities is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Calbayog’s readiness to host large delegations, with coordination expected between local government units, business owners, and tourism stakeholders.

The vice mayor underscored that improving the city’s accommodation sector is essential to sustaining its competitiveness as a destination for conferences and business events.

As Calbayog continues to expand its tourism and commercial offerings, local officials are banking on its strategic location, natural attractions, and developing infrastructure to support its bid to become a regional MICE destination.

“Let’s keep moving forward, Calbayog,” Daguman said.

Photo credit: Office of Calbayog Vice Mayor Rex Daguman