TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – In promoting tourism in the province, the Provincial Government in cooperation with the Provincial Tourism Office hosted the 2nd Quarterly National Board Meeting of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) along with the week-long celebration of the 51st founding anniversary of Lanao del Norte.
ATOP composes the different tourism officers and regional representatives from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The group purposely came in Lanao del Norte for a conference in preparation of the details  and to come-up with fresh and bright ideas for the upcoming convention in Subic, Olongapo City this coming October.
In line with the celebration of the Araw ng Lanao del Norte, the ATOP were assigned as board of judges in the different contests based on their respective field of expertise. Some of them were the judges in the Photo and Painting Contest and the others were adjudicators in the prestigious Miss Lanao del Norte 2010.
“Lanao del Norte filled me beyond expectation. It is like heaven and earth. The verdant environment and the rich culture make it one of the unique provinces in the Philippines. Truly, a  place where peace flourish. And the peaceful co-existence of the Muslims and Christians is an asset to be praised,” said Kenneth Benignos, VP for Visayas, Escalante, Negros City when interviewed about his views of Lanao del Norte.
The visit was made even more memorable when the ATOP got the privilege to tour around the various scenic spots in the province like the enchanting Tinago Falls in Linamon, the majestic Cathedral Falls in Kapatagan, and the solemn place of healing one’s mind and soul Dapit Alim in Kolambugan.
The group was astonished and wowed with the world-class facilities in the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) from the sprawling MCC Gym down to the extremely huge sports arena.   
“Lanao del Norte is not only the Land of Beauty and Bounty, but a melting pot of cultures who lives harmoniously and peacefully in the pursuit of common developmental goals. The attitude, intrinsic hospitality and character of the people are the most valuable treasures of the place. Mabuhay ang Lanao del Norte, “ an additional statement of Cora Tito, Secretary General, from General Santos City to comment about their visitation in Lanao del Norte.
The ATOP trip in Lanao del Norte was an undeniable proof that the province is truly a good place to have where peace abound inspite of diversified cultures and beliefs. ARMS/PIO-LDN