The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has recognized Baguio City, Tabuk City in Kalinga, and Ilagan City in Isabela for achieving the criteria set by the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard. 

The award ceremony took place in Laos.

Criteria for assessment included solid waste management, health sanitation, security, risk reduction management, environmental advocacy, and tourism services.

Baguio City has received this recognition three times.

"Not only ‘yung physical cleanliness ng all public areas but also the solid waste management kasama na riyan, ‘yung garbage collection, may bilang din, 'how many cleaners do we have [and] if they are being trained,' garbage collectors din kung ilan ‘yan, even ‘yung water waste management also. Second, health and sanitation, tiningnan din how we can address if there are health issues sa visitors, but not only the visitors but also local residents," Alec Mapalo, Baguio City Tourism Officer.

For Tabuk City, this recognition is a moment of pride and a testament to the efforts of the locals for their tourism.

"It’s a proud moment for us sa Tabuk City kasi first time naming magkaroon ng ganitong awards sa international body... Very proud ang mga Tabukeńos for this award. Masarap sa pakiramdam pala na maging part ng ganoong prestigious na awards because of our vibrant people rin, sa tulong na rin nila," Aurora Amilig, Tabuk City Information Officer, said.

Ilagan City, Isabela, also rejoices in this acknowledgment.

"Sa kalinisan ng Ilagan, masaya kami na proud na proud na sali kami sa kalinisan [na award], okay naman ang ano [pamumuno] ng mayor namin dito, sa kalinisan minamaintain yung kalinisan," Teddy Sunga a resident of Ilagan City, Isabela, said.

Local authorities said that it is important to maintain these standards, and acknowledge the collective efforts of the public and visitors to uphold cleanliness and safety in the cities.