In a proud moment for the Municipality of Inopacan, Leyte, the Department of Tourism (DOT), led by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, officially broke ground for the construction of a Tourist Rest Area (TRA)—a vital step toward enhancing travel convenience and regional tourism infrastructure in Eastern Visayas.
“We have signed a Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Tourism, TIEZA, and the Municipality of Inopacan for the establishment of the very first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Eastern Visayas—advancing the Marcos Administration’s commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure across the country,” the tourism chief explained.
The groundbreaking was led by Frasco, together with Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla as represented by Provincial Tourism Consultant Ms. Frances Ann Petilla, Congressman Carl Nicolas Cari, Inopacan Mayor Rogelio Pua Jr., Vice Mayor Sanders Lumarda, DOT Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, Assistant Secretary Christine Cari, TIEZA ACOO Jetro Nicolas Lozada, Director Glenn Ocampo, DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Tiopes, and other key partners from DOT, TIEZA, and the local government.
The TRA in Inopacan will rise in the Municipality’s New Reclamation Area.
The TRA in Inopacan will rise in the Municipality’s New Reclamation Area, which currently serves as a hub for economic and recreational infrastructures, which include a public market, restaurants, cafes, food stalls, a bay walk, and a children’s park.
“This TRA in Inopacan, Leyte will support the growing number of travelers to Cuatro Islas and nearby destinations.”
“As we continue to build up the Philippines’ key tourism gateways, this TRA in Inopacan, Leyte will support the growing number of travelers to Cuatro Islas and nearby destinations—ensuring a more seamless, comfortable, and meaningful tourism experience,” the tourism head said.
Once constructed, the TRA in Inopacan will serve as a safe, clean, and welcoming stopover for tourists, offering essential amenities such as clean restrooms, a lounge and charging station, a tourist information desk, a dining area, and a pasalubong center.
With a pasalubong center, the TRA will also serve as a platform for promoting local products and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the area.
“We thank Mayor Jojo Pua, Congressman Carl Nicolas Cari, and all our local partners for your continued support and collaboration,” Frasco concluded.
