MANOLO FORTICH TOURIST REST AREA OPENS TO PUBLIC

Reinforcing the Premiere Agri-Ecotourism Hospitality

The first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Region 10 situated at the municipality of Manolo Fortich has already open its doors to the public in the recently conducted Inauguration and Turnover Ceremony on August 4, 2023.

This momentous event which was earnestly graced by esteemed dignitaries starting with Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Esperanza Frasco and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) COO Mark T. Lapid signified the importance of the project. The Tourist Rest Area is intended to assure that tourists have a safe and convenient area to rest in-between travels from different tourist destinations in the country.

The project according to Secretary Frasco, is consistent to the directive by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve the country’s infrastructure to enhance overall tourist experience. “Ang tumong ug tingoha sa atong Presidente Bongbong Marcos mao nga mahatagan og higayon ang atong mga kaigsoonang Pilipino nga maka-benipisyo gayud sa turismo ug ubos sa atong mandato sa Department of Tourism wala nato gi-limit ang atong kaugalingon sa pagsuporta sa mga sikat na kaayo nga tourism destinations apan pinaka-importante nga hatagan nato og suporta, development and promotion ang atong emerging tourism destinations.”

Mark T. Lapid explained the importance of the TRA. “Heto po ‘yong sagot sa tugma na seamless travel na sinasabi ng ating mahal na pangulo. At eto po ay isang mahalagang parte sa turismo. ‘Yong iba sabi nila ano ba ang magagawa ng isang kamukha ng pasilidad natin? Pero sa tototo po, dun sa aming mga datus at impormasyon, napakalaking halaga dahil pag ikaw ay isang turista naghahanap ka talaga minsan ng kung saan ka hihinto, saan may maayos na rest room na mapupuntahan. Lalo na sa mga kababaihan po di ba?”

Mayors and representatives from neighboring municipalities and cities, tourism officers and tour guides, and stakeholders were also present to witness the event. The building which was built in a 1,110 square meters land area amounting to P7-Million houses the Pasalubong Center, a cozy charging area and lobby, comfortable restrooms and shower rooms and a lactating area.

The Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to TIEZA and the DOT in his message. “Thank you to the Department of Tourism, Secretary Christina Frasco and Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan for their confidence in choosing Manolo Fortich as one of the best town across the country where tourist can rest well and be assisted while enjoying tours to and from so many beautiful places in Mindanao.”

In the hopes of promoting the Philippines as tourism powerhouse, Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil Roque P. Roque added a request to the people of Bukidnon to help promote sustainability alongside acknowledging the great help of the TRA in boosting the tourism industry in the whole province of Bukidnon. “We would like to appeal to all of the people to take care of the wonderful features of the province. Natural or man-made please help your government take care of it all. Let us all develop our tourism industry with sustainability in mind. Our province is blessed beautifully. Let us thank and honor God by taking care of it.”

As part of the program, Kalasanen Mountaineering Club, a community-based tourism organization was also awarded with Basic Mountaineering Course with Livelihood kits worth 300,000 pesos as an LGU-chosen and DOT Region X-endorsed. “Kami napuno og kalipay ug pasalamat sa higayon sa pagtagad nga gihatag sa amoa sa DOT sa pagpangulo ni Secretary Chrisitna Garcia Frasco. Kani nga pag-ila dakong tabang sa among panginabuhian ug paglambo sa among adbokasiya nga maprotektahan ang atoang mountain treasures ug makatabang sa amoang isig katao nga nanginahanglan. Salamat kaayo Secretary Frasco.”, Kalasanen Mountaineering Club Preseident, Junelle C. Wayan expressed in his message.

As a sign of gratitude, Secretary Frasco also distributed tour guiding kits to 15 local tour guides as prime-movers of tourism which includes Fedora Hat, electronic lapel, bamboo tumbler, bamboo shades, sunblock and notebook.