SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) -- The San Jose Night Market ranked first in the TourLISTA’s top five (5) tourist attractions in the province for August 2023.

The Tourism Live Inventory of Statistics and Arrivals, or TourLISTA-- a web-based tool for analyzing and assessing tourist arrivals. It is a collaboration between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Mimaropa that aims to help tourism stakeholders identify areas of improvement based on information and statistics.

Dem Michael M. Gindap from the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO) shared that the recognition affirms the positive impact of the San Jose Night Market, “Number one tayo [sa TourLISTA], so kinikilala ng Occidental Mindoro [ang night market]. Ibig sabihin n’on maraming pumupunta na tourists, even domestic…The more na dumadami ‘yung tourist, the more na dumadami yung possibilities for income ng mga stall owners natin. Kung mas maraming tao, mas marami ang kita nila,” Gindap highlighted.

According to MTO, the night market vendors reported a boost in sales, with an average revenue growth of P59,410 monthly. Moreover, it also paved the way for employment opportunities.

San Jose Mayor Rey C. Ladaga shared that the night market is one of the local government’s flagship programs to help with the economy’s recovery due to the pandemic, “Ngayon lang nakakarebound ang bayan namin. Naghirap ang bayan, sinikap po namin na irevitalize ang ekonomiya ng bayan namin.”

The San Jose Night Market is located along Rizal Street, comprising 157 stalls, and is open every Friday to Sunday evening.

Also included in TourLISTA’s top tourist destinations in the province are Sablayan Pressing Park, Ding and Mhel Argel Farm Resort, Panganiban Resort, and Biggy’s Hotel and Resort. (DSG/PIA Mimaropa - Occidental Mindoro)