The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tabaco, Albay signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the construction of a Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Tabaco City.
This agreement, formalized after the groundbreaking ceremony, marks a significant milestone in the region’s tourism infrastructure and sustainability.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman inked the agreement, with Albay Vice Governor Glenda Ong Bongao and DOT Regional Office V Director Herbie Aguas who stood as witnesses.
Frasco said the construction of the TRA in the city signifies the Department’s commitment to enhancing the overall tourist experience, while staying true to its goal of sustainability.
“Tabaco City represents sustainable tourism, which very well resonates with the National Tourism Development Plan of the national government, kung saan binibigyan po natin ng kahalagahan ‘yong preservation ng ating mga destinations, and of course, binibigyan natin ang ating mga komunidad ng opportunities para naman po mag improve ‘yong kanilang buhay para sa kanilang buhay sa pamamagitan ng turismo,” the tourism chief explained.
“As we have campaigned all over the world for the world to Love the Philippines, so too must we show our love for our tourists, and there could be no better place to put the Tourist Rest Area here in Albay, the first one for this province, than in the City of True Love, (Tabaco City),” the tourism head added.
“There could be no better place to put the Tourist Rest Area here in Albay, the first one for this province, than in the City of True Love, (Tabaco City).”
The TRA concept and project was recently recognized as Infrastructure Project of the Year award in the Tourism category at the prestigious GovMedia Conference & Awards 2024 held in Singapore.
Fully funded and constructed by the DOT through its infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the soon to rise TRA will be managed and operated by Tabaco LGU.
“My understanding is that the park where we are in right now has become very popular and a model of sustainability, and this perfectly aligns with the vision of our President under the National Tourism Development Plan, which ensures the sustainability of tourism destinations by introducing measures that will take care of its longevity for generations to come,” Frasco explained, referring to Hiraya Manawari, the site of Tabaco’s TRA.
The soon-to-rise TRA will feature new innovations, including a rainwater harvesting facility, among others.
A scale model of the TRA, characterized by its signature flat roof and clean lines, was presented by Frasco and Tourism Assistant Secretary Gissela Quisumbing to Mayor Lagman and Vice Mayor Bongao.
“Let us continue to approach the challenges of our time with hope, with optimism, with innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, with a view to ensuring that the Philippines is transformed into a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” Frasco concluded her speech.
“With the Tourist Rest Area, we now have an additional reason for people to visit Tabaco City. This facility will complement Hiraya Manawari perfectly.”
Local officials expressed their gratitude for this flagship project. Lagman stated in a mix of Filipino and English, “With the Tourist Rest Area, we now have an additional reason for people to visit Tabaco City. This facility will complement Hiraya Manawari perfectly.”
Vice Governor Bongao reflected on the province’s hosting of the Philippine Experience Program, which opened numerous opportunities in the region.
“What we are witnessing today is a testament to that commitment. This groundbreaking ceremony for the Tourist Rest Area is concrete proof that the DOT is truly walking the talk. For that, you deserve a warm, resounding applause,” she said.
Governor Edcel Greco Lagman echoed the Vice Governor’s gratitude to the DOT and the TIEZA for the TRA project, which he described as “both a haven and a hub for tourists.”
Meanwhile, Frasco also awarded Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) trainer Emmanuel Duran from the Bicol Region with a training kit, personal accident insurance worth 50,000 pesos, and P5,000 in cash as a personal token from her.
The ceremonial groundbreaking and MOU signing event also saw a vibrant showcase of specialized products from five neighboring municipalities.
This included Arieto Capacio’s installation art, Bacacay’s renowned karagumoy products such as banig (woven mats), Malilipot’s stylish handbags, Malinao’s traditional kakanin (native delicacies), and Sto. Domingo’s intricate paper-mache handicrafts.
The event likewise featured an experiential tourism showcase on Tabak-making, highlighting Tabaco City’s rich tradition of crafting bolo knives, known locally as “tabak.”
