INOPACAN, Leyte– Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco underscored the Marcos administration’s commitment to tourism as a tool for economic development during the groundbreaking ceremony of the first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in this town, on Tuesday, June 17.
“This is why we need to construct proper tourism infrastructure—to uplift and enhance the tourist experience, provide them with convenience and safety, and encourage them to return,” Frasco said.
“Tourism for this administration is not simply for leisure. It should be an economic tool to drive community development and uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos.”
The project in Inopacan is the first TRA in both Leyte province and the Eastern Visayas region. It is among the DOT’s priority initiatives and is funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) with a budget of P10 million.
Frasco was joined by Leyte 5th District Representative Carl Nicolas Cari, who thanked the DOT for granting his request to build the facility in Inopacan. He said the TRA responds to the growing demand for a comfortable waiting area among tourists heading to the Cuatro Islas, the town’s top island-hopping destination.
“With a TRA in Inopacan, we can expect more tourist arrivals, better economic activity, and more livelihood opportunities for our people,” said Rep. Cari.
He added that he also requested another TRA for Matalom, home of Canigao Island, another top destination in Leyte.
The Inopacan TRA will rise at the town’s reclamation area, located behind the municipal hall near the baywalk, food stalls, and a children’s park.
The site also serves as a jump-off point for Cuatro Islas, which comprises four islets—Mahaba, Digyo, and Apid (under Inopacan), and Himukilan (under neighboring Hindang town).
Cuatro Islas is also part of Eastern Visayas’ cruise tourism route.
The DOT earlier announced additional TRAs for Tacloban City and Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The Guiuan facility will be located on Calicoan Island, a known surfing destination. The Tacloban City government has yet to finalize its TRA site.
Once completed, the TRA will offer tourists clean and secure amenities, including restrooms, a lounge, charging stations, and a dining area, all free of charge. A pasalubong center will also be established to promote local products and culture, supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Inopacan and nearby towns.
Among those present at the groundbreaking were DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes, Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, Assistant Secretary Christine Cari, TIEZA ACOO Jetro Nicolas Lozada, Director Glenn Ocampo, and Inopacan Mayor Alberto Rogelio Pua.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
