Leaders from the Province of Bohol and Municipality of Tubigon conveyed their gratitude and full support for a landmark tourism infrastructure initiative is set to rise in Tubigon, Bohol.
Signed by Tubigon Mayor Marlon Amila, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Nicolas Lozada, the MOA signals the start of the development of the “Enchanted Ilijan Plug of Tubigon Project”—the top-ranked entry in the Visayas under the DOT’s Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) program.
“It is set to become a new landmark and a valuable addition to a long list of Bohol’s tourism offerings.”
Provincial Administrator Aster Caberte—who represented Governor Erico Aumentado at the event—assured the Province of Bohol’s full support to the project, noting that it is set to become a new landmark and a valuable addition to a long list of Bohol’s tourism offerings.
The MOA cements the shared commitments of the three parties: the DOT will provide strategic guidance and tourism direction; TIEZA will support and oversee the infrastructure component; while the Tubigon LGU will handle local implementation, permitting, and long-term management.
“The Enchanted Ilijan Plug is more than a project. It is a symbol of what we can achieve together.”
“The Enchanted Ilijan Plug is more than a project. It is a symbol of what we can achieve together. It represents our hopes for sustainable tourism, new opportunities, and pride for Tubigon,” Tubigon Mayor Marlon Amila said, also thanking the previous local administration.
Former Tubigon Mayor William Jao, one of the early proponents of the project, also expressed gratitude to the DOT and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
“Alam mo po, Secretary Christina, ako po ay nagagalak. Natutuwa po ako na nag-isip kayo ng ganitong programa, challenge sa mga mayor ‘yon,” said Jao, sharing the story of their participation in the nationwide competition.
The TCC, launched by the DOT in 2023, is a nationwide competition funding innovative and sustainable tourism infrastructure proposals of local government units.
Tubigon was named the top awardee for the Visayas, securing P25 million for the development of the Enchanted Ilijan Plug project.
Meanwhile, Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II called for continued coordination among stakeholders.
“As we move forward, let us continue to support each other, to innovate responsibly, and to build with a shared sense of purpose. Together, we are not just building infrastructure; we are shaping a better future for generations to come,” Yap stressed.
