INITAO, Misamis Oriental (PIA)–The Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 10, in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Brgy. Jampason, Initao, Misamis Oriental.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the event, stressing that TRA is vital to the DOT’s vision to elevate the complete tourism experience.
The facility will offer clean restrooms, a comfortable lounge area, an information center, and a “Pasalubong” center featuring local products and designs that reflect Filipino heritage.
Frasco praised Misamis Oriental’s tourism potential, noting its abundant natural beauty and resources.
“Nakita nako mismo sa akong mga mata kung unsa ka abunda, unsa ka nindot, unsa ka dako ang potensyal sa turismo sa inyong probinsya. Ug gawas sa inyong maanindot kaayo nga talan-awon, your very abundant resources in the province, sa tan-aw nako, mao gyud ang yawe sa paglambo sa turismo dinhi sa probinsya, wala na’y lain kundili ang mga tawo sa Misamis Oriental. Tungod kay mainiton kaayo mo mudawat sa inyong mga bisita dinhi, ang mga tawo dinhi talentado. Nakita nako nga prayoridad gyud ang turismo,” she said.
(I have witnessed the richness, beauty, and the province’s tourism potential. Beyond your scenic landscapes and abundant resources, the real key to tourism growth here is the people of Misamis Oriental. Your warm hospitality and talented community make tourism a priority.)
She announced that the Initao Tourist Rest Area is the first of many planned for the province.
DOT-10 Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan led the event with her team, joined by local and national officials.
Misamis Oriental Second District Representative Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano thanked Secretary Frasco and shared how the new Tourist Rest Area in Initao can help Misamis Oriental’s economy.
“To you, it might just be an infrastructure. To others, they see it as a tourist rest area. I see it as an opportunity for the people of Misamis Oriental to benefit. It’s a ten-million project. Sa construction pa lang daan, sigurado ko nga daghang panday, mason, ug laborer ang makatrabaho nga lumulupyo sa Initao ug sa mga silingan nato nga mga lungsod. Sa pagsugod sa pag-operate, dili lang ang produkto sa Initao, ang produkto sa Misamis Oriental, aduna na’y standee nga matindugan, duna na’y standee nga mahimo nilang selling place,” Emano emphasized.
(This is more than just infrastructure. It offers opportunities for our people to benefit from jobs during construction to a marketplace for local products once it opens.)
Governor Peter M. Unabia emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and local governments.
“Kung ing-ani ang atong teamwork sa lalawigan, wala’y rason nga dili nato makab-ot ang atong fight against poverty. That is our crusade. To Secretary Maria Christina Frasco, salamat sa imohang gibutang nga infrastructure diri sa Misamis Oriental. Importante kana para sa mga motorists, travelers ug tourism promotion,” the governor said.
(With this kind of teamwork, there is no reason we can’t achieve our fight against poverty. This infrastructure is crucial for motorists, travelers, and promoting tourism.)
Initao Municipal Mayor Mercy Grace Acain also thanked Secretary Frasco and local officials for making the project a reality. She highlighted how the Tourist Rest Area exemplifies the successful collaboration between national and local governments to provide quality services.
The event concluded with a memorandum of agreement signing between officials from the Department of Tourism, TIEZA, Misamis Oriental’s 2nd Congressional District, the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, and the Local Government of Initao. (IJBD/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
