A new eco-tourism project is set to rise in Silago, Southern Leyte, as the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Municipality of Silago formalized their partnership through a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed for the development of the “Silago Ridge to Reef Eco-Experience Project” (SIRREP)— one of the winning proposals under the DOT’s Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC).
The MOA outlines the commitment of each party to the success of the project: the DOT will provide strategic guidance and national tourism direction; TIEZA will fund and oversee the infrastructure component; while the Silago LGU will lead local implementation, permitting, and long-term management.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco described the project as a reflection of the Marcos Administration’s commitment to inclusive tourism development.
“The groundbreaking of the Silago Ridge to Reef Eco-Experience is a manifestation of the commitment of our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to equalizing tourism governance all over the country,” Frasco said.
Launched under her leadership, The TCC is a flagship tourism program of the DOT that empowers local government units (LGUS) by providing funding support for innovative, sustainable tourism proposals designed to unlock the unique potential of local destinations.
“This Tourism Champions Challenge is borne out of the principle of governance that believes that tourism development should reach the farthest corners of our country.”
“This Tourism Champions Challenge is borne out of the principle of governance that believes that tourism development should reach the farthest corners of our country,” she added.
Frasco also lauded the leadership of Silago Mayor Lemuel Honor, emphasizing that municipality’s inclusion among the 15 winners of the DOT’s TCC program is a product of “the boldness of his vision, and his belief in the natural wonders and people of Silago.”
Silago’s project, which ranked third in the Visayas island group, secured P15 million in funding. This project will position Silago as a model for eco-tourism and climate resilience in the region.
“This project will elevate Silago as a unique destination where biodiversity conservation, heritage interpretation, and livelihood opportunities converge.”
“At the heart of the project is the construction of a state-of-the-art eco-heritage museum and visitor center that will preserve a rare 55-foot sperm whale skeleton, this project will elevate Silago as a unique destination where biodiversity conservation, heritage interpretation, and livelihood opportunities converge,” she stressed.
Signing the agreement with Frasco were Silago Mayor Lemuel Honor and TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Gregory Oller. The ceremony was witnessed by Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado; District Representative Christopherson Yap (represented by Mr. Manolo Siervo, Jr.); and DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes.
