Tourist rest area to rise in Pagudpud  

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A tourist rest area will rise in Saud beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, the seventh to be constructed in the country.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, regional director Joseph Francisco Ortega, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc and Pagudpud Mayor Rafael Benemerito II led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the tourist center on Monday.

Saud was recognized as one of the world’s 25 most beautiful beaches by travel magazine Travel & Leisure.

Frasco said the construction of tourist service areas is part of the Marcos administration’s seven-point tourism program, which aims to utilize tourism as a major economic pillar for the country’s recovery.

She said the tourist center sends the message that Ilocos Norte is open to the world for tourists and investors.

The Marcos administration is serious in its intention to support Ilocos Norte in its plans for tourism in the next few years, Frasco said.

The Department of Tourism had earlier announced that it would launch the construction of 10 tourist service areas across the country.

Frasco said three tourist centers would be constructed in Luzon, five in the Visayas and two in Mindanao.

She said the tourist rest areas would contain “clean restrooms,” which she described as “the most basic aspect of travel.”

Frasco said the rest areas would also feature “a lounge and complete information on tourist destinations.

There will also be a pasalubong center where tourists can purchase local products and delicacies.