Gilbert Ian Dalida has been a member of ITHP and a Certified Hospitality Professional since December 2024. In the vibrant intersection of tourism, community development, and creative entrepreneurship stands Gilbert Ian M. Dalida, a seasoned hospitality professional and visionary tourism advocate. With over a decade of multifaceted experience, Gilbert has built a career marked by service excellence, sustainability, and grassroots leadership—earning him recognition both locally and nationally.
Currently serving as the Operations Manager of Pompeo and Luming’s Inn, Gilbert has transformed this humble hospitality establishment in Tagkawayan into a Department of Tourism-accredited trailblazer, setting new standards in local accommodations. Under his leadership, the inn has received multiple Booking.com Traveller Review Awards (2023, 2024, 2025), Agoda Customer Review Awards, and was recognized as the Top 1 Most Improved Local Tourism Establishment and Top 3 in Tourist Arrivals by the Municipality of Tagkawayan.
Beyond operations, Gilbert has become a driving force in regional tourism as the Founder and President of the Tourism Hospitality Association of Tagkawayan, Inc., where he unites stakeholders, leads advocacy work, and builds capacity among local players. He also played a key role in municipal tourism planning as Business Manager of the Tagkawayan Municipal Tourism Council.
His past professional journey includes leadership roles in complex settings—from serving as Chief of Staff at NAIA Terminal 2’s Terminal Operations Office, to managing creative and signage projects as Co-Founder of Luce Mercato Ads Corporation and Project Supervisor at Okada Manila. These experiences have sharpened his skills in operations, safety compliance, guest relations, and large-scale coordination.
Gilbert is a Safety Officer II. He passed the Career Service Professional Exam and has pursued continuous learning through dozens of trainings, including the BPI SEAL BEGIN Program, GoNegosyo’s Inspiring Tourismpreneur 2023, and workshops hosted by the Department of Tourism, PIDS, and Meta Philippines.
His recent accolades include the Exceptional Business Plan Award from BPI Foundation and being named a GoNegosyo Inspiring Tourismpreneur in 2023. He has also contributed significantly to local events, acting as organizer of Tagkawayan’s Aluyan Fest, Kaway Festival Bazaar, and Paskuhan sa Tagkawayan.
Gilbert’s skill set extends to strategic planning, staff development, community engagement, policy advocacy, crisis management, and digital marketing. He is also deeply involved in crafting sustainable tourism models, advocating for GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism 2030 initiative from Canada.
A proud graduate of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies and the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, Gilbert combines his disciplined foundation with a visionary, inclusive approach to tourism. Today, he continues to inspire a new generation of local entrepreneurs, proving that tourism is not just an industry—it’s a movement for empowerment, culture, and connection.