The Department of Tourism (DOT) will soon construct a Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Lingayen, Pangasinan to enhance visitor facilities and strengthen tourism infrastructure.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III formalized the project with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Sison Auditorium.

They were joined by Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Assistant Chief Operating Officer Gregory Oller in attendance.

Fully funded by the DOT through TIEZA, the TRA will offer amenities designed to improve comfort and accessibility for tourists.

Once completed, it will be managed by the Lingayen local government to ensure its proper upkeep and efficient service.

Frasco emphasized that the improvement of tourism infrastructure is a priority under the Marcos administration, recognizing its role in enhancing the global competitiveness of local destinations.

Guico welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to encourage longer stays in Pangasinan, which currently attracts mostly short-term visitors.

He believes the new facilities will inspire tourists to explore more of the province’s attractions.

The Lingayen TRA is part of the DOT’s nationwide tourism infrastructure program, joining similar facilities in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, and Roxas, Palawan.

Additional TRAs in Baguio City, Benguet, and Tabaco City, Albay, are also nearing completion.