𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗼’𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮

Tubungan, Iloilo- Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Municipality of Tubungan Mayor Roquito G. Tacsagon on Friday (Aug. 23), led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Brgy. Igpaho, Tubungan, the first to be constructed in the province of Iloilo and in the Western Visayas region.

The TRA to be built in Tubungan is strategically located beside the Baldan View Deck overlooking the picturesque mountains of Tubungan, along the Tourism Road Infrastructure Project (TRIP) in the municipality. It is designed to serve as a rest stop for travelers engaging in popular outdoor activities in the area such as trekking, camping, and biking.

It is also poised to become a vital hub for tourists exploring Tubungan’s natural attractions, including caves, waterfalls, and other eco-tourism highlights, and boost the local economy of Tubungan and its neighboring municipalities, as well as the nearby province of Antique.

The TRA is a flagship project of the DOT in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and in collaboration with local government units.

The TRAs enhance the travel experience by offering essential amenities such as clean restrooms, a pasalubong center supporting local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and a tourist information center, among others, providing both convenience for travelers and a boost to local tourism and economic growth.

The ceremonial event witnessed the support of esteemed officials including Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert “Bombette” G. Marin representing Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr., Tubungan Vice Mayor Leo Cezar T. Taypen, San Remigio, Antique Sangguniang Bayan Councilor Felipe Victoriano, as well as DOT Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Nicolas F. Lozada, DOT Regional Office VI Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez, and other local officials of the province.