The Department of Tourism (DOT) unveiled the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in the Municipality of Roxas, Palawan in a ceremony led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. Strategically located along the national highway in Barangays Sandoval and San Nicolas in Roxas, the TRA seeks to be a convenient pit stop for travelers going on a roadtrip to explore Palawan’s breathtaking and world-class destinations.
Delivering her keynote remarks, Tourism Secretary Frasco emphasized the Marcos administration’s prioritization of impactful infrastructure projects which aims to address the basic needs of tourists and ensure their memorable and convenient experience in the country.
“Layunin po natin na mag ikot sa buong Pilipinas, dala-dala ang mga proyekto sa imprastraktura sa ilalim ng administrasyon ng ating Presidente, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., kasi po ‘yung direktiba ng Presidente sa akin ay malinaw: we have to enhance the overall tourist experience, that our tourists will enjoy their stay, they will stay longer, and they will come back again and again, and in that way, [masigurado] po natin na ‘yung livelihood and employment ng turismo ay mag-eexpand pa po within our destinations and the neighboring destinations,” Secretary Frasco said as the DOT inaugurated and turned over the completed facility to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Roxas led by its Mayor Dennis M. Sabando.
Having been a local chief executive herself prior to taking the helm of the DOT, Secretary Frasco shared the Department’s dedication to helping LGUs elevate their tourism development initiatives.
“Nais po talaga natin na makatulong po talaga ang national government sa ating mga local government units. I’ve been where you are, I totally understand the challenges that local chief executives and local governments face in terms of matching their vision for tourism with their budget. Kaya naman po magtulung-tulong po tayo, at nandito lang po ‘yung Marcos administration para po tumulong sa atin mga local government units,” the Secretary added.
Outpouring of ‘love’ from Palaweños
Provincial and local government officials of Palawan have shown their gratitude for the successful inauguration and turnover of the flagship TRA in Roxas.
“I am certain that this (Tourist) Rest Area, down the road, will not only soothe and accommodate tourists, but more importantly, open new doors for more entrepreneurial activities that, in turn, will spur faster economic growth in Roxas. Hopefully, these activities will also spillover to the areas neighboring Roxas,” House Speaker Romualdez said in a message delivered by his representative, Mr. Jose Fernando Escalante.
“We at the Provincial Government of Palawan are truly grateful to the Department of Tourism for choosing the Province of Palawan as one of the pilot sites for this landmark project,” Palawan Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates said in his remarks delivered by Board Member Roseller Pineda.
“As we formally inaugurate this state-of-the-art facility, I hope that it symbolizes a new chapter in our journey towards tourism development and sustainable growth for Palawan. Together, let us embrace this opportunity to showcase the rich culture, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality that the people of Palawan can offer,” the Governor added.
Meanwhile, Roxas Mayor Dennis M. Sabando said that while the Municipality has mostly focused on other sectors in the past such as agriculture–which serves as the primary source of livelihood of residents–the LGU is open to more activities that will come to boost the town’s economy.
“Sa araw na ito, ang pag ti-turn over ng Tourist Rest Area sa Lokal na Pamahalaan ang aming magiging starting mark, para pasiglahin pa ang natutulog at tahimik na potensyal ng aming bayan sa turismo,” the Mayor added.
TRA soon to rise in Southern Palawan
The TRA in Roxas is among the initial batch of TRAs launched by the DOT under the leadership of Secretary Frasco since last year, in realization of President Marcos, Jr.’s directive to enhance the overall tourist experience.
Secretary Frasco announced that the DOT will soon break ground on another TRA in Brooke’s Point, Palawan, that will cater to tourists accessing southern parts of the province.
Other locations where the TRAs have so far been completed and are now operational include: Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), Davao del Norte; Dauis, Bohol; Carcar City and the towns of Carmen, Medellin, Moalboal in Cebu.
Secretary Frasco earlier announced that additional 20 TRAs will be built in strategic locations across the country this year.
With Secretary Frasco and Mayor Sabando in today’s activity were provincial and local government officials of Palawan including Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates represented by Board Member Roseller Pineda, House Speaker and Legislative Caretaker of the 1st and 3rd District of Palawan Martin Romualdez represented by Mr. Jose Fernando Escalante, as well as the local chief executives of nearby municipalities including El Nido, Linapacan, San Vicente, and Taytay.
Also present were DOT Assistant Secretary Gissela Marie R. Quisumbing, DOT MIMAROPA Regional Director Roberto P. Alabado III, and Director Annavie Lapitan.
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