ILOILO CITY — Tubungan, a small town in Iloilo, is set to receive a PHP10-million investment for a new tourist rest area (TRA), announced to be operational within six months, aimed at boosting local tourism and economic activity.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has selected their municipality for this significant development. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Friday in Sitio Baldan, Barangay Igpaho, was officiated by DOT Secretary Cristina Frasco and attended by several local and regional officials. The new facility, a mere 20-minute ride from the town center, will include amenities such as restrooms, a shower area, and a souvenir center designed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises from the area.
Secretary Frasco emphasized the potential of Tubungan to expand its tourism sector through this initiative, noting that the TRA would not only enhance the visitor experience but also provide a platform for indigenous communities to showcase their crafts and produce. Additionally, the rest area is planned to be environmentally friendly, featuring solar power facilities and a rainwater catchment system, aligning with the town’s ecotourism priorities.
Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer Gilbert Marin highlighted the strategic location of Barangay Igtuble, the site for the TRA, describing it as an ecotourism hub with easy access to scenic hiking and biking trails, panoramic views, and a cool climate akin to that of the renowned ‘Little Baguio of Iloilo’ in Barangay Bucari, Leon town. This development is expected to make Tubungan a key entry point for tourists exploring the region, including the nearby province of Antique.