Capitol opens first of 10 Tourist Rest Areas

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government has officially opened the first of 10 Capitol-funded Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs), known as “Hapitanan sa Sugbo”, located in Barangay Pandacan, Pinamungajan town.

Governor Gwen Garcia, along with Pinamungajan Mayor Ana Jessica Baricuatro, led the inauguration last Tuesday.

The Capitol allocated ?9 million for the facility, which is situated on a 1,332.2-square-meter lot owned by Pinamungajan Town.

The facility is powered by solar energy and its features include air-conditioned lounge areas, charging stations, a tourist information center, a mini-food court serving local dishes, coffee shops, souvenir shops, and modern shower rooms.

Tourists visiting the newly-opened facility will need to pay a fee of ?10 to use the comfort room amenities. The fee will go toward the service and maintenance of the facility, ensuring its cleanliness and functionality.

Baricuatro said she is excited about the potential of the TRA, highlighting that the facility would enhance the visitor experience while generating significant economic opportunities for local businesses.

“This is a great opportunity for us… It will elevate Pinamungajan as a key tourist stop, benefiting both our local vendors and the entire municipality,” said Baricuatro in a report by Sugbo News.

Additionally, Garcia and Baricuatro signed an agreement formalizing the transfer of the facility and its operation to the municipality. The agreement also included the relocation of Pinamungajan’s bus terminal to further enhance convenience for travelers.

The terminal will be moved from its current location beside the municipal hall to the parking area of the newly-opened Hapitanan sa Sugbo, making the area a stopover for buses, V-hires, and both private and public vehicles.

Additionally, bus drivers will be able to enjoy free meals at a local eatery that the LGU will establish at the facility.

In addition to Pinamungajan, the Capitol has constructed other TRAs across Cebu, which are at varying stages of completion. These are in Santander, Dumanjug, Balamban, Bogo City, Pilar, Tudela, Poro, San Francisco, and Madridejos.

These centers serve as the Capitol's counterpart to the TRAs constructed by the Department of Tourism in the province.

There have been four TRAs that DOT built in Cebu, these are in Medellin, Carmen, Carcar City, and Moalboal. — (FREEMAN)