KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in SOCCSKSARGEN has facilitated the construction of P6.72 billion worth of road projects leading to tourism destinations and attractions across the region, according to an official of the agency.
Engr. Armin Hautea, DOT XII assistant regional director, announced at the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas that the agency’s Tourism Road Infrastructure Project (TRIP) has improved or upgraded 210 kilometers of roads into concrete roads to enhance access to tourist destinations.
“TRIP is a convergence program between DOT and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) aimed at providing safe access to our tourist destinations and attractions,” said Hautea.
He said that when roads and other infrastructure are in place, tourism sites can function to their full potential. He added that other infrastructure projects may include bridges, drainage, rest areas, and others.
The official also said that out of the 55 TRIP projects in SOCCSKSARGEN, 38 have been completed, 13 are in the process of implementation, and 4 have received funding for implementation in 2024.
Among the completed road projects that have already provided faster, safer, and easier access to several popular tourism sites in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region are those leading to the white sand beaches of Glan, Sarangani; Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, Cotabato Province; tourism areas around Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; and Marguez Hot and Cold Spring in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, and many others.
On-going TRIP projects, once completed, will improve access to the following sites: UK Peak, Don Bosco Biodynamis Farm, Sang’ngawan Falls, Kansal Falls, Twin Falls, Lupisan Ecosites, and Pisan Cave in Cotabato Province; Kalonbarak Skyline and Kawas Beach in Sarangani Province; the weaving villages of Lamdalag, Klubi, and Lamcade in Lake Sebu; Hidak Falls, Bakngeb Cave, and Salacafe jump-off station to Lake Holon in South Cotabato; and Lagbasan Cave and Burial Cave in Sultan Kudarat Province.
Four TRIP projects, including Kirungdong Falls in Magpet, Cotabato Province; the Malagap Underground River in Banisilan, Cotabato Province; Bugasan Falls in Malungon, Sarangani; and Bocay-il Falls in Kiamba, Sarangani, have received approval for implementation in 2024, Hautea further said.
The DOT, in partnership with the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat, has also proposed road projects leading to La Palmera Mountain Ridge and Fekung Bula Falls, both in Columbio municipality.
In a video presented during the Kapihan, Gillian Ray Lonzaga, tourism officer of Kidapawan City, emphasized that tourism road projects not only provide safe travel to tourists but also help boost word-of-mouth promotion of tourism products in the countryside.
“These roads not only help tourists with their access to destinations but also benefit the communities themselves,” Lonzaga said.
For Ric Gavon, a farmer in Aleosan, Cotabato, the upgraded road, apart from bringing people from other places to their area, has also brought convenience to him and his fellow farmers.
“Now that the road has been upgraded to concrete, the situation is really better. There are more vehicles passing by that can bring our products to the market,” he said.
The influx of visitors has also provided a livelihood to locals like Mercy Temario, who has found a job as a tour guide.
“Before, I was only a stay-at-home mother, taking care of kids. Because my husband was only a construction worker with a small income, it was very difficult to make ends meet. I am very thankful for this opportunity to become a tour guide. In a week, I am able to guide tourists at least twice and earn additional money for my family,” she said. (DED – PIA Region 12)
