Local officials from the Province of Batanes and the Municipality of Sabtang expressed gratitude for the soon-to-rise Tourist Rest Area (TRA) to be constructed in the Sabtang port area, an initiative led by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agency, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
Batanes Lone District Representative Ciriaco Gato Jr. underscored the collaborative effort between the DOT and the local community.
“The collaboration between the Department of Tourism and the community of Sabtang will ensure that this project will be a cornerstone for sustainable tourism in Batanes, one that benefits not only our visitors but our entire community. Dios mamajes to our Department of Tourism family for the continued support and partnership,” Gato said.
Batanes Vice Governor Ignacio Villa highlighted the importance of the TRA in addressing long-standing challenges in the province.
“It is a reminder that development and conservation can and must go hand in hand.”
“While Batanes is celebrated for its breathtaking views and special culture, we have long faced challenges in accessibility and essential amenities. This facility is a step forward in overcoming those hurdles in making our province more welcoming, while upholding our commitment to sustainability, it is a reminder that development and conservation can and must go hand in hand,” Villa stressed.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the ground breaking of the first Tourist Rest Area at the northernmost tip of the country, the scenic Sabtang Island in Batanes.
“It is our sincere hope that our tourists that come to the breathtaking Province of Batanes and make their way to the stunning shores and hillsides of Sabtang will feel the love that we have been campaigning for the world to have for the Philippines.”
“It is our sincere hope that our tourists that come to the breathtaking Province of Batanes and make their way to the stunning shores and hillsides of Sabtang will feel the love that we have been campaigning for the world to have for the Philippines. For it is incumbent upon us, not only to convince the world to love the Philippines, but to also show the world how much we love our tourists, and what better way to do that than to think of their convenience, their safety, and amenities for them to enjoy their stay,” Frasco said.
Once constructed, the TRA will include amenities like clean restrooms, a lounge area, charging stations, a lactation room for breastfeeding mothers, an information hub, and a pasalubong center showcasing local products and delicacies.
This initiative is part of the DOT’s broader plan to establish TRAs nationwide, aiming to improve the overall travel experience and support local communities.
The soon-to-rise tourist facility at the Sabtang port area will incorporate a design that would resemble the iconic stone structure of the Ivatan culture. This is also seen to boost local tourism on the island while, providing convenience to visiting tourists.
During the ceremony, Sabtang Mayor Prescila Babalo led local stakeholders in welcoming delegates of the Philippine Experience Program, who were set to explore Sabtang’s iconic sites for the day: “In our hearts, you are all warmly welcomed.”
Sabtang Island is accessible by taking a Faluwa or boat ride from Ivana Port on Batan Island.
