Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Wednesday (Dec. 7) led the groundbreaking ceremony and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Government of Bohol, the Local Government of Dauis, and the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for the establishment of the sixth Tourist Rest Area (TRA) so far rolled out by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“With the long list of natural and man-made resources in the province making it a favorite among visitors both domestic and foreign, the Department of Tourism recognizes the contribution of the tourism industry of Bohol. This is the reason why we made sure that a Tourist Rest Area will be established here to enhance the overall tourist experience,” said Secretary Frasco.
The Dauis TRA will be built along a main thoroughfare, the Luis T. Clarin Highway and is a stone’s throw away from Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Panglao. The tourist pit-stop is conveniently located so it can be accessible to tourists on their way to a city tour of Tagbilaran, or those on a road trip to the towns of Carmen, home to the Chocolate Hills, and Loboc, which is most visited for the Loboc River Cruise.
“The marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is to improve the overall tourist experience, and with this Tourist Rest Area, we hope to provide our tourists a stress-free and convenient journey. The provision of this basic service is a building block in ensuring that your government can sustain a strong tourism industry and economic prosperity for all the communities that depend on it,” Secretary Frasco said, speaking in Cebuano.
As of September 30, Bohol has logged more than 222,000 visitors, or a 24 percent increase vis-à-vis the 179,000 recorded in 2021, and 177,000 in 2020.
Similar to what had been launched in six other tourist destinations including Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Cebu, and Baguio City, the TRA in Dauis will be a show-window of the Filipino brand to the world, and is envisioned to be a conducive place where tourists can rest during their journey. The establishment will also feature a one-stop-shop for information and pasalubong center where tourists can buy best samples of local and Filipino products.
Present in the ceremonies are Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, Bohol 1st District Representative Edgar Chato, Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen, and Dauis Vice Mayor Marietta Sumaylo.
In her speech the tourism chief noted the pivotal role that the local leaders play in pursuing tourism development that is not only progressive, but sustainable as well.
“Rest assured that the DOT is working double time alongside the concerned government agencies to introduce the necessary infrastructure developments, particularly, in our gateways—the airports and seaports to herald to the world our readiness to accept all the visitors raring to visit our shores. We have high hopes for the full and fast recovery of our industry, and to do this, we know that we need the full support of our LGUs—the governors, the congressmen, and the mayors- kamo ang mga bida sa turismo sa administrasyon ni Presidente Marcos,” the tourism chief added.
The Tourist Rest Areas are to be built in strategic locations across the country in partnership with the DOT’s infrastructure arm, the TIEZA.