DoT breaks ground for Misamis Oriental tourism facility

Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco led the groundbreaking rites for the construction of a tourist rest area in Initao, Misamis Oriental. —Photo by Ercel Maandig

INITAO, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Philippines — Department of Tourism (DoT) Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco led the groundbreaking rites for the construction of a tourism facility in this town located a few distance away from the Laguindingan international airport.

The tourist rest area (TRA), to be constructed at the cost of P10 million, is located along the national highway. It is the second such facility to be built in northern Mindanao and the 11th throughout the country, said Frasco, adding that 11 more will rise in various parts of the country this year.

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The TRA is a flagship initiative of the DoT to provide convenience to tourists and travelers wherein they can take a nap in the lounge or even take a shower. It is also equipped to serve food as well as sells local delicacies for pasalubong.

Frasco said that the design of TRAs in the country is uniform except that the one to rise in Initao has a rain catchment feature.

A memorandum of agreement (MoA) was signed between the local government of Initao represented by Mayor Mercy Grace Acain, a representative of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and Frasco right after the laying of the capsule that signifies the start of the project.

The MoA signing ceremony was witnessed by Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia and 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano.

The local government is responsible for the maintenance of the facility as well as in providing for its operating workforce.

To ensure the upkeep of the facility, the DoT will grade host local governments on its maintenance and operation, and those that get a 90-percent rating will get an incentive through a funding for tourism-related infrastructure, said Frasco.