The Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat conveyed its utmost appreciation to the Department of Tourism (DOT) for including Mindanao in its efforts to make tourism more inclusive as well as to further equalize tourism development.
In his speech during the formal turnover ceremony of the first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in SOCCSKSARGEN region, the young and dynamic Governor Datu Pax Ali Sangki Mangudadatu emphasized the impact of the establishment of the much-needed tourism infrastructure on the province.
“With the establishment of a TRA, marami pa po mga proyekto at programa ang darating.”
“With the establishment of a TRA, marami pa po mga proyekto at programa ang darating. Kami po sa Sultan Kudarat, we are honored and privileged because it gives us the feeling na kami po ay kasama sa priority ng Department of Tourism at ng national government,” Mangudadatu said.
“I was informed na tayo po sa isa sa mga pinakaunang nabigyan ng TRA. Napakalaking bagay po ito, because this is not the only one in Sultan Kudarat. It is also the only one in the entire Region 12. Kaya napakalaking bagay po ‘yun, ladies and gentlemen. And again, as a father of this Province, I’m so happy that we have these programs introduced for our people,” the governor added.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, formally inaugurated the first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in the SOCCSKSARGEN region with Mangudadatu and other local officials joining the program.
“On behalf of the people of Sultan Kudarat, we express our gratitude and appreciation to our dear Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco for her support, commitment, and sense of partnership established between her department and the province of Sultan Kudarat. Hindi po stranger ang ating Secretary sa ating lalawigan. Siya po ay nakabisita na dito multiple times sa [Sultan Kudarat]. All we want for our people is the best. Hindi po natin tinatanong kung ano ang politika. Hindi po natin tinatanong kung ano ang kulay sa nakaraang halalan. What is best for the Filipino people, yun po ang ibibigay,” Mangudadatu said.
The first TRA in the region is strategically located in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, just beside the province’s new and modern convention center. The idea, apart from enhancing the traveler experience by availing of the TRA amenities, is to promote and boost the coffee industry of Sultan Kudarat as it is recognized as one of the biggest coffee producers in the entire Philippines. Thus, the province will also initiate a month-long free coffee for all TRA visitors.
“It is just time, ladies and gentlemen, for us to open our doors and for us to be proud of what Sultan Kudarat has become.”
“Gusto po natin makilala ang ating probinsya bilang isang Sultan Kudarat na laging bukas para sa bawat Pilipino at para sa bawat dayuhan na makita po nila ang tatlong bagay—ang init po ng ating pagtanggap, ang ating makulay na kultura, at ang ating ganda ng ating mga tanawin. It is just time, ladies and gentlemen, for us to open our doors and for us to be proud of what Sultan Kudarat has become. Kaya I am looking forward to na marami pa po tayong magagawa,” he added.
Sultan Kudarat is home to beautiful many attractions including the Baras Bird Sanctuary, La Palmera Mountain Ridge, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol, among others.
