By Mariela Angella Oladive
A new tourist rest area worth P10 million is set to be constructed at Sitio Baldan, Barangay Igpaho in Tubungan, Iloilo, marking a significant enhancement to the province’s tourism infrastructure.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia-Frasco led the groundbreaking ceremony and signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Friday, August 23.
In an interview, Frasco emphasized the project’s importance.
“The construction of this facility aims to offer comfort and convenience to those traversing the beautiful, mountainous, and scenic routes of Tubungan and its neighboring towns. We have seen the immense potential of Tubungan, thanks to its abundant natural resources,” she said.
Frasco also highlighted that 10 Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) are already operating across the country, with 22 more planned for development.
The Tubungan rest area will feature essential amenities such as restrooms, showers, and a pasalubong (souvenir) center, all designed with sustainability and eco-preservation in mind.
“This project symbolizes the essence of close collaboration with the national government,” Frasco added.
She also noted that the tourism sector has already generated 6.21 million jobs, emphasizing that this is just the beginning of more such initiatives.
The project aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to meet the needs of tourists.
The TRA, a flagship project of the DOT and identified as a priority under the President’s administration, serves as a convergence point for foreign and local travelers where they can access information on tourism sites, activities, accommodations, and report concerns related to safety and security.
Mayor Roquito Tacsagon expressed his gratitude for the project, recognizing its potential to boost local tourism and improve the lives of residents.
“We are happy because Tubungan is the only one in the province to have a tourist rest area. This is a significant help for us. This will be the start of improving our infrastructure projects related to tourism to attract more tourists,” he said.
The new tourist rest area in Tubungan is expected to become a key asset in the province’s tourism development efforts, enhancing both the visitor experience and local economic growth.
