Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu on Thursday (Jun 6) led the groundbreaking of the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.
The TRA is a flagship program of the Department of Tourism (DOT) through its infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, initiated under the Marcos administration. It primarily seeks to enhance the overall tourist experience and address the most basic travel requirement for convenience.
Each facility is thoughtfully designed to be a one-stop-shop for tourists, equipped with facilities such as clean restrooms, lounge area, charging station, lactation room for breastfeeding mothers, information center, PWD facilities, and a pasalubong center featuring local products and delicacies.
Also present at the groundbreaking are Sultan Kudarat Vice Governor Raden Sakaluran, Sultan Kudarat 1st District Representative Congresswoman Princess Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran, Tacurong City Mayor Joseph George L. Lechonsito, Esperanza Mayor Charles Ploteña, Mayor of Palimbang Joenime Kapina, Mayor of President Quirino Katrina Sandigan, and Vice Mayor of Lutayan Prince Raden Sakaluran.
The DOT has successfully broken ground ten TRAs in strategic locations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Out of the initial batch of 10 TRAs, nine have been completed, inaugurated, and turned over to the Local Government Unit (LGU), with the 10th TRA in Baguio City expected to be completed around September 2024.
Meanwhile, more than 20 TRAs are expected to rise across the country in the next few months according to the Tourism Chief. (ANTONIO)
