LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco of the Department of Tourism (DOT) led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the first ever Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Ilocos Norte to be situated at Saud Beach, Pagudpud.
She was joined by Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, DOT Ilocos regional director Joseph Francisco Ortega, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) chief operating officer Mark Lapid during the ceremony held on Monday.
Not only this facility will provide clean and decent restrooms for tourists, the TRA will also feature lounge areas where tourists can rest in, information desk, and pasalubong centers to market local products and delicacies.
Frasco said that the establishment of TRA is anchored on the seven-point tourism program under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. which is set to utilize tourism as a major economic tourism pillar toward Philippines’ recovery.
“Putting up this Tourist Rest Area sends the message that first, Ilocos Norte is open to the world for tourists and investors, and that the Marcos administration is serious in its intention to support the province of Ilocos Norte for its plans for tourism in the next few years,” said Frasco.
She also hoped that by putting up the TRA in Ilocos Norte, it will also give hope for the tourism stakeholders and frontliners.
“This is only the beginning of our recovery, and the Philippines is very positive in its outlook for the future,” she added.
DOT has also seen the strategic location of its TRA in Saud Beach which has gained popularity in the international scene when it landed in the Top 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World by the Travel + Leisure magazine last year.
“We feel that this TRA perfectly complements the master plan of your governor and of your provincial government that envisions the full development of this beach into a world-class destination,” Frasco remarked.
Moreover, Pagudpud is also home to some popular tourist destinations namely Bantay Abot Cave, Dos Hermanos Islands, Kabigan Falls, Maira-ira Beach, Patapat Viaduct, Stingray Memorial, and the tourist-favorite Windmills of Bangui, Burgos, and Pagudpud.
In response, Governor Marcos Manotoc thanked DOT and TIEZA for their support in the tourism development in the province, after their successful courtesy meeting in October.
"We all know that ultimately the success of the Philippines lies in the entire archipelago and not just Manila. Kaya po, we are one with you and your vision for the country and I am confident that you will certainly turn things around for the tourism sector of the Philippines," he expressed.
The TRA in Pagudpud is the 7th TRA that was successfully launched this year. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/ELT-Intern PIA Ilocos Norte)
