LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—A new chapter in the development of local tourism began on February 13, 2025, with a groundbreaking ceremony of the Tourist Rest Area (TRA)—a flagship program of the Department of Tourism (DOT), in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan—with the goal of improving the overall tourist experience while engaging visitors in the rich historical significance of the area.
With the volume of tourists attracted by Pangasinan’s beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural offerings, the province has recognized the importance of establishing a facility that caters to domestic and international tourists through the provision of basic services and amenities. This includes clean restrooms, charging stations, a pasalubong center, a lounge and café, and an information center.
Followed by the groundbreaking ceremony was the signing of the memorandum of agreement pertinent to the TRA’s establishment and maintenance, sealed by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Gregory Oller, and Pangasinan Provincial Governor Ramon Guico III, which took place at the Sison Auditorium. The signing was witnessed by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, 2nd District Congressman Mark Cojuangco, and DOT-Region 1 OIC-Regional Director Evangeline Dadat, and was attended by Lingayen Vice Mayor Mac Dexter Malicdem and other provincial government officials.
The DOT, under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., commits to provide guidance to the province’s visions and goals that boosts Pangasinan’s tourism industry and economy. DOT Secretary Frasco emphasized, “[We] are here to support the vision, thrust, programs, and projects of the province of Pangasinan, in order to ensure that tourism for your province continues to provide gainful livelihood for our fellow Filipinos and their families.”
Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III highlighted the importance of “making plans and projects that could boost tourism, and making it more convenient for our visitors to visit the Capitol Complex.” He mentioned that the TRA project will significantly contribute to boosting Pangasinan’s efforts to increase visitor counts and encourage longer stays in the province.
The soon-to-rise first Tourist Rest Area in the province will be strategically located at the Capitol Beachfront, Lingayen, Pangasinan, and is expected to be fully-built within the year.
As the project moves forward, Pangasinan is poised to continue its upward trajectory as a premier tourist destination in the country.
/MGE
Photos: JOT
