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)

TACLOBAN CITY – In a bold move to position itself as a business-friendly and investment-ready province, Northern Samar has institutionalized the country’s first green lane policy, streamlining business processes to attract strategic and sustainable investments.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan signed Ordinance No. 7, series of 2025, into law on June 13, during an investment forum held in celebration of the province’s 60th founding anniversary. The event was attended by investors and development partners.

“This is more than just an efficiency upgrade,” Ongchuan said. “It marks our shift to a governance model that champions responsiveness, accountability, and sustainability.”

The green lane policy, conceptualized by Ongchuan and implemented through the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office headed by Jhon Allen Berbon, introduces a “single point of entry” system. This means all investment proposals will first be assessed at the provincial level before being coordinated with the relevant municipal governments—cutting red tape and expediting approvals.

Key features of the ordinance include simultaneous permit processing to replace sequential workflows; authority granted to the province to issue permits for strategic projects, especially in renewable energy; fiscal incentives such as exemptions from business taxes, real property taxes, and permit fees for up to five years;
Non-fiscal incentives include investor servicing assistance, marketing support, and aftercare programs.

The initiative has gained both national and international recognition.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has cited the policy twice—as a benchmark for ease of doing business. It has also received praise from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank as a potential model for other LGUs and a foundation for future policy-based grants.

With this landmark policy, Northern Samar is rebranding itself—from a traditionally underserved area to a rising hub for sustainable investment in Eastern Visayas.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)