The municipality of Tubungan in Iloilo is a recipient of a PHP10-million tourist rest area (TRA) expected to become operational in six months.

Tubungan Mayor Roquito Tacsagon on Saturday said the town is grateful to be chosen for the Department of Tourism (DOT) project.

“We hope this would attract more tourists,” he said in an interview.

The TRA will be erected in Sitio Baldan, Barangay Igpaho, a 20-minute ride from the town proper.

The groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, led by DOT Secretary Cristina Frasco, was followed by the signing of an agreement with Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Nicolas Lozada and Tacsagon.

Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert Marin and DOT-Western Visayas Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriquez also signed as witnesses.

“The town may be small but big in heart, and even bigger potential. So it is our hope that by way of this tourist rest area, we continue to support this very successful tourism initiative of the province of Iloilo and that we support the tourism aspirations of the municipality of Tubungan and its neighboring LGUs (local government units),” Frasco said in her keynote message on Friday afternoon.

The TRA will have a restroom, shower area and a pasalubong (souvenir) center to allow micro, small and medium enterprises to sell their local goods and wares.

Frasco said it will also give opportunities for Indigenous People communities to be known to tourists through their goods, artworks and other artisanal works.

“Our tourist rest area intends to be sustainable kasi may (because there will be) solar power facilities and rainwater catchment. It would support the ecotourism initiatives of Tubungan, which I understand is the number one priority here in LGU,” she said.

Marin, in a separate interview on Saturday, said Barangay Igtuble is an eco-tourism destination and accessible to other destinations in nearby Antique province.

“It is very good for biking and hiking activities. It has a very beautiful panoramic view overlooking areas in between Iloilo and Negros and a portion of Antique,” he said.

It also has a cool climate, similar to Barangay Bucari in Leon town, considered the “Little Baguio of Iloilo.” (PNA)