Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the groundbreaking ceremony for the “Legacy of the Sea” project on Silaki Island, Bolinao, Pangasinan, under the DOT’s flagship Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC).
The “Legacy of the Sea” project aims to transform Silaki Island, known as the “Giant Clam Capital of the Philippines,” into a sustainable, community-driven tourism destination.
Infrastructure enhancements include a Mini Experience Center, Hanging Footbridge, Floating Docks, Viewport Structures, and a Welcome and Departure Pavilion, all designed to enhance visitor experience while preserving the environment.
Securing third place and P15 million project fund in the Luzon group during the TCC’s first cycle, this project embodies the DOT’s and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority’s (TIEZA) commitment to sustainable tourism development and community empowerment.
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Frasco, TIEZA – Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Nicolas Lozada, and Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste.
This agreement outlines the shared responsibilities for the construction, management, and sustainability of the Tourism Champions Challenge’s award-winning “Legacy of the Sea” project.
In her keynote address, the tourism chief emphasized the importance of incorporating local government perspectives into national governance.
“Dati po akong mayor, and that experience as a mayor taught me the importance of always carrying the local perspective in national governance.”
“This project was born out of a local perspective. Dati po akong mayor, and that experience as a mayor taught me the importance of always carrying the local perspective in national governance and to take into consideration ‘yung needs ng ating mga localities,” the tourism head shared.
She further highlighted how the Tourism Champions Challenge was designed to empower communities by prioritizing their ideas and addressing their unique needs.
“This was your proposal, and this fits the needs of your community.”
“Kaya naman po ‘yong Tourism Champions Challenge ay hindi sya proyekto na galing sa amin ‘yong idea. Galing ‘yun sa inyo. This was your proposal, and this fits the needs of your community, and which then went through a very rigorous process of advice, mentorship, and expert guidance from various members of the national government and our private stakeholders,” she added.
Meanwhile, Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste emphasized the growing tourism potential of the municipality and expressed his gratitude to Frasco for her visit and for extending vital funding support through the TCC program.
Board Member Marinor De Guzman delivered Governor Ramon Guico III’s message of congratulations to Bolinao, commending the municipality for its dedication to ecological tourism development through its award-winning Legacy of the Sea project.
Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste, representing Congressman Arthur Celeste of the 1st District of Pangasinan, also expressed his appreciation for the national government’s continued support in advancing tourism and infrastructure development through the DOT.
