Dr. Felix G. Delos Santos, Jr.

International Luminary Award in Leadership

Local Government Unit of Malay (Aklan),

Philippines

Chief Tourism Operations Officer

Personal Highlights:

Doctor of Philosophy, Major in Educational Management & Supervision from Aklan State University – Banga Campus
Project Pristine is a transformative environmental initiative addressing marine pollution, beachfront degradation, and biodiversity loss in Boracay and mainland Malay through biweekly efforts supported by tourism frontliners, associations and cooperatives, and stakeholders.
Project LNOB is an inclusive community-based tourism initiative that empowers marginalized groups by giving them direct economic opportunities through regular Tinda Turismo / Tinda Malaynon fairs that celebrate local culture, products, and heritage.
The Boracay Information Guide App (Project BIG A), developed through the Development Academy of the Philippines in partnership with the LGU of Malay, is a 24/7 digital platform providing reliable, centralized tourist information to enhance travel experiences, promote innovation, and help prevent scams on the island.
Project MI Desk is a one-stop service initiative designed to provide efficient, accessible, and tourist-friendly assistance by connecting visitors and stakeholders to timely information, support, and government services in the Municipality of Malay.
The centralized activity area in Boracay serves as a one-stop hub where tourism, commerce, and community events converge, providing an organized and accessible space for tourists.
Co-founded and organized major events in Boracay, including the Boracay Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Celebrations, Love Boracay, White Beach Festival, and Puka Shell Festival.

Inspirational Success Story:

Dr. Felix G. Delos Santos, Jr. spent his early years as an educator, shaping young minds at Yapak Elementary School for more than a
decade. In his 13-year tenure as Chief Tourism Operations Officer of the Municipality of Malay, he devoted his life to purposeful public service anchored on uplifting the lives of the people. Under his term, Boracay Island strengthened its standing on the global stage, earning prestigious international recognitions such as World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination by the World Travel Awards for two consecutive years from 2024 to 2025, affirmations of effective governance, sustainability, and world-class destination
management. Beyond accolades, Dr. Delos Santos ensured that Boracay’s success translated into meaningful programs that
protect its environment, empower its people, and enrich the visitor experience.
Under Dr. Delos Santos’ leadership, he championed Project PRISTINE, uniting tourism stakeholders to safeguard Boracay’s shores
and marine biodiversity; advanced inclusive growth through Project LNOB (Leave No One Behind) by creating livelihood platforms
for marginalized communities; and spearheaded Project BIG-A, in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines,
delivering a 24/7 digital guide that protects and enhances tourists’ experience. Through Project MI-Desk and the Centralized Activity
Area, he strengthened accessible, organized, and tourist-friendly services. Complementing these reforms, he founded and
organized landmark celebrations that honor culture, labor, and local identity: the Puka Shell Festival, Savor Malay, Fiesta de
Obreros, Love Boracay, and Boracay Santo Niño Ati-Atihan—transforming tourism into a living expression of heritage, pride, and
community resilience.
Through Dr. Delos Santos’ initiatives, local governance in Malay became a bridge between national ideals and global aspirations.
His programs reflect the vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting SDG 8 (Decent Work and
Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). At the same time, they embody the
aspirations of Ambisyon Natin 2040, where empowered Malaynons actively shape their future and prosperity is shared by all.
Through vision, collaboration, and principled leadership, Dr. Delos Santos continues to transform public service into a force that
uplifts people, protects nature, and secures Boracay’s legacy for generations to come.

Three (3) Top Significant Accomplishments within the last three (3) years

Project PRISTINE emerged when Boracay fell silent during the 2018 government-mandated closure, exposing the environmental cost of unchecked tourism—polluted shores, strained wastewater systems, and fragile marine ecosystems on the brink. In response, Felix G. Delos Santos Jr. launched the initiative in 2022, turning crisis into a commitment to discipline, stewardship, and long-term sustainability.

Grounded in the principles of Republic Act No. 6713, Project PRISTINE integrates environmental protection into tourism governance in the Municipality of Malay. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships), while reflecting the civic vision of Ambisyon Natin 2040.

More than a routine program, it is a multi-sectoral, community-driven initiative. In partnership with tourism stakeholders, transport groups, divers, local communities, and government agencies, it conducts regular coastal and underwater clean-ups, removing plastics and marine debris that threaten coral reefs and water quality. Additional clean-ups are organized before and after major tourism events to prevent environmental degradation. Through collaboration, volunteerism, and responsible governance, Project PRISTINE demonstrates how environmental protection and sustainable tourism can work together to safeguard Boracay for future generations.

Project BIG-A began in 2023 as a bold reimagining of tourism assistance on Boracay Island, transforming what was once scattered and unreliable into a system that inspires trust and safeguards visitors. Led by Dr. Felix Delos Santos Jr., the program institutionalized a centralized, accessible platform that ensures accurate, verified, and timely tourism information.

Through the Project BIG-A website, tourists and residents can now access a comprehensive directory of accredited establishments, accommodations, restaurants, tour operators, beach regulations, and updated information on events and activities on the island, ensuring safe and legitimate options for every visitor experience.

Moreover, this initiative advances the Department of Tourism’s digital transformation agenda, aligning with one of its Seven Tourism Pillars—Digitalization —which promotes the use of technology to strengthen tourism governance, improve visitor services, and ensure transparent access to verified tourism information. By integrating digital tools into tourism assistance and regulation, Project BIG-A supports smarter and more accountable destination management.

Beyond improving service delivery, the initiative contributes to the global vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by promoting responsible tourism governance and protecting consumers from fraudulent practices. It also echoes the citizen-centered development envisioned in Ambisyon Natin 2040, which calls for efficient public service systems and empowered communities.

Through enforcing accountability, strengthening coordination, and providing reliable information, Project BIG-A has become a trusted gateway for navigating Boracay. More than a digital platform, it stands as a commitment that Boracay’s tourism thrives under a system that is organized, responsive, and protective of both visitors and the community that sustains the island.

Project LNOB – Leave No One Behind

Recognizing that the municipality’s heavy reliance on Boracay Island tourism posed a risk to long-term sustainability, Dr. Felix G. Delos Santos Jr. launched Project LNOB – Leave No One Behind in 2022, operating three-day barangay fairs every two months and during events on Boracay Island to provide indigenous peoples, local producers, tourism workers, and micro-entrepreneurs a direct platform to participate in the tourism economy. From a modest pilot in one barangay, the program has expanded to cover all 17 barangays, including the Malay Ati-Tribe Association, showcasing local handicrafts, native delicacies, agricultural produce, and cultural performances that celebrate Malay’s heritage.

Guided by the values of professionalism and commitment to public interest under Republic Act No. 6713, Project LNOB adopts a holistic approach to economic inclusion, sustainability, and cultural preservation. Partnerships with municipal offices and community farms, along with capacity-building for over 300 traders in marketing, product development, and enterprise management, ensure local businesses thrive responsibly. The formation of the Association of Malaynon Local Producers (MALPA) and the Malay Cooks Association, managing revolving funds for training and growth, further strengthens community resilience.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and supporting the long-term vision of Ambisyon Natin 2040, which emphasizes empowered communities, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity, Project LNOB has empowered residents, boosted incomes by 40–60%, and safeguarded the cultural legacy of the Ati tribe. By doing so, it positions the Municipality of Malay as a model of sustainable, people-centered tourism that honors both its people and heritage.

Evidence of Works: