First Capitol-funded TRA breaks ground

CEBU, Philippines — The construction of the first Capitol-funded Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Cebu Province will soon start after it broke ground Sunday, March 17.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, and Pinamungajan Mayor Ana Jessica Baricuatro. The provincial government has allocated P5.6 million for the said tourist facility, which will be built on a 1,332.2 square meter property beside the town’s fire station in Brgy. Pandacan.

It will feature services for the tourists--both local and foreign-- like tourist information center, lounge area, coffee shops, charging station, restrooms, and shower rooms. Pasalubong Centers displaying the local delicacies and crafts for souvenir items will also be available.

The establishment of the facility is the realization of the governor’s promise to build TRAs in Cebu province as Capitol’s counterpart of the Department of Tourism’s project to build TRAs all over the country. The DOT is headed by Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, the governor’s daughter.

For Cebu, the DOT has already established four TRAs--- Carcar City, Moalboal, Carmen and Medellin. Garcia said the Capitol will build TRAs equivalent to the number of facilities built by the DOT in the province.

According to the Capitol, already in the pipeline is the construction of TRAs in Bogo City, Dumanjug, and Santander. — (FREEMAN)