LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PIA) – In a bid to enhance and strengthen local tourism and the economy in Pangasinan, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has officially launched the construction of the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) at the Capitol Beachfront in Lingayen, Pangasinan, on Feb. 13.
The launching of the new facility, which was spearheaded by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, together with Governor Ramon Guico III and Second District Representative Mark Cojuangco, aimed to enhance the travel experience for tourists.
Lingayen, the capital town of Pangasinan, is a notable tourist destination – home of the historical Lingayen Gulf, the 1917 neoclassical Capitol Building, the ancestral home of former President Fidel V. Ramos, and the leading cultural destination, the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum.
“The establishment of Tourist Rest Areas across the country reflects our commitment to enhancing the travel experience for both local and international visitors. These facilities will not only provide comfort and convenience but also serve as a gateway to promote our local culture and products, allowing tourists to appreciate the distinct beauty of every destination they visit,” Frasco said.
The TRA offers essential amenities such as a Tourist Information and Assistance Center, restrooms with persons with disabilities and senior citizen access, a breastfeeding station, charging and work stations with internet connection, a comfortable rest area, an automated teller machine (if feasible), a dining area, and Pasalubong Centers that will promote local products.
Frasco emphasized that TRAs are designed to not only provide rest areas but also serve as economic hubs that showcase local artistry and products of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the locality.
Frasco said to ensure the efficient management, monitoring, and sustainability of the program, DOT has set clear guidelines to ensure that LGUs can effectively maintain the facility while supporting the government’s broader goal of equitable tourism development nationwide.
She also expressed gratitude to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan for their generous support, particularly in providing a 300-square meter lot for the construction of the facility.
“The allocation of a 300-square meter lot for this project underscores the strong partnership between the DOT and local government in creating sustainable and accessible tourism infrastructure.
Vanessa Viray, a resident in Lingayen town, expressed her anticipation for the completion of the project, stating that, “This facility will be a great addition to our town. It will not only make travel more convenient for visitors but also give opportunities to local businesses, bringing more economic growth to the town.”
Meanwhile, Gov. Guico said the Lingayen TRA is expected to be completed within this year to accommodate tourists in peak season.
He expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Secretary Frasco for choosing Pangasinan as one of the project recipients, as it will significantly boost local tourism and economic opportunities in Pangasinan.
“We actually requested one more TRA for Manaoag because this is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the province. This will definitely complement and help in our tourism thrust in our province in increasing our visitor count and also making them stay longer in Pangasinan,” Guico said.
To date, nine TRAs have been completed and turned over to their respective local government units, while 22 more, including Lingayen, are in progress with approved funding of P10 million each by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
With this groundbreaking initiative, Pangasinan is set to become an even more attractive destination for travelers, offering both comfort and economic growth.
As the project progresses, DOT demonstrates its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the development of the nation’s tourism landscape, bringing it a step closer towards its vision of becoming a tourism powerhouse in Asia. (AMB/EMSA, PIA Pangasinan)
