The Department of Tourism (DOT) has inaugurated Antique’s first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) on Thursday, Nov. 21, underscoring its commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco led the groundbreaking ceremony of the facility in Brgy. Aningalan, San Remigio town, emphasizing the DOT’s efforts to balance tourism development with ecological responsibility, in line with the Marcos administration’s priorities.
The San Remigio TRA, the 16th in the country and the second in Western Visayas after Tubungan, Iloilo, will feature clean restrooms, a tourist information desk, and a pasalubong center, while incorporating eco-friendly elements such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
“Sustainability is at the forefront of Philippine tourism development,” Frasco said during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA ) signing, adding that the projects align with the conservation advocacy of Senator Loren Legarda.
Funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the facility will be maintained by the local government of San Remigio and monitored by the DOT to ensure strict adherence to environmental standards.
San Remigio Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. hailed the project as historic, noting it marked the first visit of a tourism secretary to the town in its 169-year history.
Congressman Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda Jr. shared the mayor’s sentiment, highlighting the TRA’s role in positioning Antique as a globally competitive destination.
Known for its cool climate and eco-tourism sites, San Remigio is a gateway to attractions like the Highland Strawberry Garden and Danao Lake, further enhanced by the new TRA to improve visitor experience and support local businesses.
During the event, Frasco distributed essential kits and accident insurance to 43 accredited tour guides, recognizing their contributions to Antique’s tourism heritage.
“You will never run out of reasons to love the Philippines, and that is the thrust of the administration, in that we are expanding economic opportunities by diversifying our tourism products, investing in tourism infrastructure, and investing in the Filipino people,” Frasco concluded.