Tourists of the Summer Capital are in for a more convenient and enhanced experience with the opening of a tourist rest area (TRA) soon in Baguio City.
The Department of Tourism and the city government of Baguio broke the ground for the establishment of the TRA located along Kennon Road with DOT Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco leading the activity.
Frasco said the facility intends to give tourists convenience as they go along their journey, understanding that the experience is not only at the destination but also the journey itself.
“The tourist rest area addresses one of the most basic components of every person’s journey: clean and decent restrooms, and more,” Frasco said during her official visit in Baguio on Dec. 5.
She said the faci-lity will not only provide restrooms but will also have a tourist information center and a pasalubong center that will provide an opportunity for the locals to sell products to tourists.
The facility is being put up in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the city government with the aim of “adding to the already very vibrant, lovely and historic offerings of Baguio City.”
“We in the DOT recognize the value that Baguio brings not only in terms of your physical destinations but more importantly in the intangible cultural heritage that you have so very well preserved in this part of the Philippines. Not only do we have the best destinations in the world but also have such a diverse offering in terms of heritage and culture, and Baguio is home to one of the most beautiful cultures that our country has. Hence we are here to manifest our full support,” Frasco said.
She said the establishment of TRAs is a project that fulfils the vision of the current administration to enhance the overall tourism experience all over the country.
The TRA in the city is one of the 10 TRAs the DOT intends to breakground this year, along with Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, Samal Island in Davao del Norte, Medellin and Carmen in Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Ilocos Norte, and another in Cebu.
The DOT, Tieza, and the city government led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on the same day also signed a provisional memorandum of agreement for the put-up and operation of the tourist rest area.
Despite the challenges met in getting the go-signal for the use of the area for the facility, Magalong expressed the city’s gratitude to the DOT and his enthusiasm on the success of the project and delivery of its commitment to the DOT and the city’s constituents. – Hanna C. Lacsamana
