The Department of Tourism (DOT) has marked a significant milestone for Bicol’s tourism sector with the groundbreaking and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the region’s first Tourist Rest Area (TRA). This event was led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Tabaco City Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman.
Eco-Friendly Tourist Facility
This TRA is the first in the Philippines to incorporate the modifications of DOT’s flagship tourist facilities, built through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) at strategic locations. Key eco-friendly features include solar panel roofing and a rainwater harvesting system.
The ceremonies took place on Wednesday, July 31, at the picturesque Hiraya Manawari Nature Park, which offers stunning views of the iconic Mayon Volcano.
Comprehensive Service Center
The pioneering TRA will serve as a comprehensive service center, providing an array of amenities designed to ensure visitor comfort and convenience. Features include clean restrooms, charging stations, a relaxing lounge, a lactation room, and an information hub. The facility will also cater to differently-abled individuals and senior citizens, promoting accessibility for all.
Commitment to Sustainability
Secretary Frasco emphasized the Department’s dedication to enhancing the tourist experience while prioritizing sustainability. “Tabaco City is a symbol of sustainable tourism, in line with the National Tourism Development Plan which underscores the importance of preserving our destinations and empowering local communities through tourism,” she stated.
“Tabaco City represents sustainable tourism, which resonates with the National Tourism Development Plan, prioritizing destination preservation and community empowerment through tourism,” she added.
Apart from enhanced interiors, the TRA incorporates sustainable features like the rainwater harvesting system, suitable for the Bicol region, which receives a high amount of rainfall due to its geographical location.
National Strategy for Tourism
The TRA is part of a broader national strategy led by the Marcos administration to bolster tourism infrastructure and enhance visitor convenience throughout the Philippines.
“We are hopeful that the presence of the Tourist Rest Area will enhance the vibrancy of your city and the already successful tourism programs led by your mayor. Through tourism, communities are transformed, lives are uplifted, and love of country is engendered in each and every Filipino,” Secretary Frasco added.
Second Facility This Year
The TRA in Tabaco City marks the second facility to break ground this year, with plans for over 20 additional locations funded by TIEZA. Hiraya Manawari Nature Park also exemplifies Tabaco City’s commitment to environmental conservation, with many structures constructed from upcycled materials.
Partnership for a Sustainable Future
Alongside the groundbreaking, the DOT and the City Government of Tabaco formalized their partnership through the signing of a MOA for the TRA’s construction. Fully funded by the DOT through TIEZA, the TRA will be managed and operated by the City Government of Tabaco.
The MOA was signed by Secretary Frasco, Mayor Lagman, and TIEZA OIC Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jeoffrey Macalalad, with Albay Vice Governor Glenda Ong Bongao and DOT Regional Office V Director Herbie Aguas as witnesses.
The DOT has also devised guidelines for the TRA’s maintenance and operation, offering incentives to LGUs that meet the outlined standards, including support for additional infrastructure projects or financial rewards.
Award-Winning Project
Recently, the TRA project was honored as the Infrastructure Project of the Year in the Tourism category at the esteemed GovMedia Conference and Awards 2024 held in Singapore.
