The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lingayen, Pangasinan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in connection with the soon to rise Tourist Rest Area in Lingayen.
The agreement was signed by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Assistant Chief Operating Officer Gregory Oller.
The MOA outlines the responsibilities of each party in the construction, management, and maintenance of the TRA, a flagship infrastructure project of the DOT aimed at enhancing tourist convenience.
Guico expressed his enthusiasm for the TRA in Lingayen.
“While many of our guests currently stay for just a day ortwo, we hope this development will inspire them to extendtheir visit and experience more of what our province has tooffer.”
“This initiative will be a significant boost to Pangasinan’sefforts to attract more visitors and encourage them to staylonger. While many of our guests currently stay for just aday or two, we hope this development will inspire them toextend their visit and experience more of what our provincehas to offer,” the governor said.
Fully funded and constructed by the DOT through TIEZA, the TRA will be managed and operated by the Lingayen LGU.
This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both national and local governments to strengthening Pangasinan’s tourism infrastructure and improving visitor experiences.
In her keynote address, Frasco expressed her gratitude for the warm reception from the people of Pangasinan, recalling her multiple visits to the province, where she had the opportunity to learn about its rich history, the bravery of its people, and their industrious spirit.
The tourism chief emphasized that the Marcos administration prioritizes tourism infrastructure development at the local level, recognizing its crucial role in making destinations globally competitive.
“Tourism continues to be a reliable source of livelihoodeven amidst global challenges like climate shocks, geopolitical issues, and domestic concerns. No matter theseason or the climate, tourism is always a force thatunites. It serves as common ground, reminding us of ourlove for the Philippines,” she said.
“No matter the season or the climate, tourism is always aforce that unites.”
She also reaffirmed the DOT’s commitment to supporting Pangasinan’s tourism vision, promising further collaborations on infrastructure, roads, and other investments that will solidify the province’s status as a premier tourist destination in the country.
Lingayen’s TRA joins five others in Luzon, two of which have already been turned over to the LGUs in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, and Roxas, Palawan. The TRA in Baguio City, Benguet, is set for completion this year, while the DOT held a groundbreaking ceremony for the TRA in Tabaco City, Albay last July 2024.
