The
Department of Tourism (DOT) marked a significant advancement for Bicol's
tourism sector with the groundbreaking and signing of the Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) for the region's inaugural Tourist Rest Area (TRA), led by
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Tabaco City Mayor Cielo Krisel
Lagman.
This
was the first TRA in the Philippines to receive the modifications of the
flagship tourist facility being constructed by the DOT, through the
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) across strategic
locations, with features of solar panel roofing, a rainwater harvesting system,
among other eco-friendly features.
The ceremonies took place on Wednesday (July 31) at the picturesque Hiraya Manawari Nature Park, which boasts stunning views of the iconic Mayon Volcano.
This
pioneering TRA in the region will serve as a comprehensive service center,
providing an array of amenities designed to ensure visitor comfort and
convenience. Key features will include clean restrooms, charging stations, a
relaxing lounge, a lactation room, and an information hub. The facility will
also cater to the needs of differently abled individuals and senior citizens,
promoting accessibility for all.
From left to right: TIEZA OIC Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jeoffrey Macalalad, Tabaco City Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Vice Governor Glenda Ong Bongao, and DOT Regional Office V Director Herbie Aguas sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the sustainable Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Tabaco City.
Commitment to
Sustainability
Secretary
Frasco emphasized that the establishment of the TRA reflects 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 very
well resonates with the National Tourism Development Plan of the national
government, kung saan binibigyan po natin ng kahalagahan ‘yong preservation ng
ating mga destinations, and of course, binibigyan natin ang ating mga komunidad
ng opportunities para naman po mag improve ‘yong kanilang buhay sa pamamagitan
ng turismo," the tourism chief shared.
Apart
from the enhanced interiors, the TRA incorporates modified sustainable features
like the rainwater harvesting system, which is fitting to Bicol region, one of
the country's regions that receives a high amount of rainfall due to its
geographical location and other factors.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco leads the time capsule installation during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bicol Region’s inaugural Tourist Rest Area (TRA) at Hiraya Manawari Nature Park in Tabaco City, Albay.
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. We find that through tourism, communities are
transformed, lives are uplifted, and love of country is engendered in each and
every single Filipino,” the tourism chief added.
The
TRA in Tabaco City marks the second facility to be broken ground this year,
with plans to put up at over 20 additional locations funded by TIEZA.
The
location, Hiraya Manawari Nature Park, also exemplifies Tabaco City's
commitment to environmental conservation, with many of its structures
constructed from upcycled materials.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco tries her hand at Tabak-making, part of the experiential tourism showcase in Tabaco City, highlighting the rich tradition of crafting bolo knives. Tabaco City is the site of the region's first-ever Tourist Rest Area (TRA).
Partnership for a
Sustainable Tourist Rest Area
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. These incentives
may include support for additional infrastructure projects or financial
rewards.
A
scale model of the TRA, featuring its distinctive flat roof and clean lines,
was presented by Secretary Frasco and to Mayor Lagman and Vice Mayor Bongao.
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.
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