Santiago City Mayor Sheena Tan conveyed her gratitude to the Department of Tourism (DOT) as Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco graced the ceremony of the soon-to-rise eco-tourism center in Santiago City, Isabela as guest of honor.
Tan emphasized that the center will serve as both a scenic attraction and a home for the city’s rich indigenous heritage.
“This Dariuk Hills Eco-Tourism Center will serve not only as a picturesque landscape, but a home for the diverse culture and heritage that we have here in Santiago, Isabela,” the lady mayor stressed.
“Ang proyektong ito ay magsisilbing bagong pook-pasyalan na magtatampok sa likas na ganda ng ating lungsod habang isinusulong ang sustainable tourism at local na pag-unlad.”
“Ang Dariuk Hills Eco-Tourism Center ay panibagong proyekto na makakatulong po sa pagpapaunlad ng turismo, kabuhayan at ekonomiya ng lungsod,” she explained. “Ang proyektong ito ay magsisilbing bagong pook-pasyalan na magtatampok sa likas na ganda ng ating lungsod habang isinusulong ang sustainable tourism at lokal na pag-unlad.”
Frasco recalled how Tan presented the initiative to the DOT, showcasing its potential to integrate man-made attractions with environmental conservation and community-based tourism.
“We thank and congratulate Santiago City Mayor Atty. Sheena Tan and LGU officials for this project in partnership with the Department of Tourism and our infrastructure arm, TIEZA, which will support community-based tourism and increase livelihood and employment while showcasing Isabela and the Cagayan Valley region’s rich natural beauty,” the tourism chief said.
In her keynote message, Frasco emphasized the country’s shared vision for a tourism industry that thrives in harmony with nature, heritage, and local culture.
“We broke ground on the Dariuk Hills Eco-Tourism Center in Santiago City, Isabela, marking the start of its transformation into a nature park seamlessly integrated with adventure architecture,” the tourism head said.
“Inspired by local heritage and the area’s natural topography, Dariuk Hills will offer tourists an immersion into nature, culture, and adventure in Isabela Province.”
“Inspired by local heritage and the area’s natural topography, Dariuk Hills will offer tourists an immersion into nature, culture, and adventure in Isabela Province,” she stressed.
Referring to the event, Frasco said it is a testament to the Marcos administration’s commitment to equalizing tourism development, ensuring that “no destination is left behind.”
Frasco reaffirmed the national government’s strong partnership with local government units (LGUs) in transforming communities into sustainable tourism hubs.
Local officials and stakeholders expressed their strong support for the project, recognizing its role in driving economic growth and cultural preservation.
Representatives from the 4th and 6th districts of Isabela also shared their enthusiasm, reaffirming their commitment to the project’s success.
“Our thanks as well to Cong. Joseph Salvador Tan, and to our DOT budget sponsor, Cong. Faustino ‘Inno’ Dy V,” she stressed.
With Frasco’s vision for tourism development, lesser-known destinations are now gaining recognition on the global stage.
The Dariuk Hills Eco-Tourism Center stands as a symbol of sustainable progress, seamlessly blending environmental conservation with cultural heritage—adding to the many reasons to love the Philippines.
