DOT eyes completion of 10 tourist rest facilities before 2022 ends
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is now expediting the establishment of Tourist Rest Area (TRA) facilities that are seen to improve the hospitality approach of Philippine tourism to foreign visitors.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia on Saturday, Oct. 8, led the groundbreaking and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the TRA facility in Carmen, Cebu. She was joined by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Deputy Speaker Rep. Duke Frasco, Carmen Mayor Carlo Villamor, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) COO Mark Lapid.

Cebu was among the provinces selected to establish a TRA facility, which provides decent and clean restrooms for local and foreign tourists.
On Friday, the DOT also started the groundbreaking of identified TRA locations in Bukdnon.
According to Frasco, they are looking forward to establishing at least 10 TRA facilities across the nation before the year ends.
This includes the setting up of groundbreakings in Bohol, Baguio, and Ilocos, among others.
Frasco said TRA facilities will have a maximum of at least 300 square meters and will be filled with a ‘pasalubong center’ inside to promote local products and native artifacts to highlight Filipino artistry.
According to Frasco, each of the TRA facilities has funding of P7 million.
"This is just the start of this project. After Bukidnon, we proceeded to Cebu, and the other places we will break ground on will include Bohol, as well as Baguio, and also Ilocos. Next year, we tend to break ground on several more," she said.