SECRETARY Frasco (DOT FB)
TACLOBAN CITY — Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Silago Ridge to Reef Eco-Experience Project (SIRREP) on Tuesday, June 17, in Silago, Southern Leyte.
“The state-of-the-art eco-heritage museum and visitor center will not only preserve Silago’s remarkable 55-foot sperm whale skeleton, but also open new pathways for livelihood, cultural pride, and ecological stewardship,” Frasco said.
The project aims to position Silago as a leading model for eco-tourism and climate resilience in Eastern Visayas.
The project marks the fourth official initiative under the DOT Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) launched in 2023 in partnership with TIEZA.
The program funds 15 successful local government unit-led tourism projects nationwide, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s goals for sustainable and inclusive tourism development. A total of ₱255 million has been allocated for these initiatives.
The Silago project, ranked third in the Visayas, received ₱15 million to build a modern eco-heritage museum and visitor center.
In addition to being a tourism attraction, the facility will function as a hub for biodiversity education, environmental awareness, multi-sectoral partnerships, and community capacity-building.