FRASCO BREAKS GROUND ON BOLINAO’S LEGACY OF THE SEA’ PROJECT, HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL PERSPECTIVE IN TOURISM GOVERNANCE

This project embodies the DOT’s and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority’s (TIEZA) commitment under the Marcos Administration’s to sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship.

In her keynote address, Secretary Frasco emphasized the importance of incorporating local government perspectives into national governance. “This project was born out of local perspective. Dati po akong mayor, and that experience as a mayor taught me the importance of always carrying the local perspective in national governance and to take into consideration ‘yong needs ng ating mga localities,” she shared, highlighting how the project serves as a testament to fostering creativity and innovation within the participating LGU while ensuring that community-driven initiatives remain at the forefront of tourism development.

She further highlighted how the Tourism Champions Challenge was designed to empower communities by prioritizing their ideas and addressing their unique needs. “Kaya naman po ‘yong Tourism Champions Challenge ay hindi sya proyekto na galing sa amin ‘yong idea. Galing yun sa inyo. This was your proposal, and this fits the needs of your community, and which then went through a very rigorous process of advice, mentorship, and expert guidance from various members of the national government and our private stakeholders,” the tourism chief added.

The chosen TCC proposals underwent a rigorous process of advice, mentorship, and expert guidance from members of the national government and private sector stakeholders. This collaboration ensured that each project not only addressed the specific needs of the community but also upheld sustainable development principles, paving the way for lasting benefits to local economies, including Bolinao’s Legacy of the Sea project.

Launched in 2023, the Tourism Champions Challenge empowers local government units (LGUs) by providing funding and mentorship to fifteen innovative, inclusive, and sustainable tourism infrastructure projects. The TCC reinforces the government’s vision of grassroots empowerment and regional growth through tourism infrastructure development.

A vision for Silaki Island: Legacy of the Sea

The “Legacy of the Sea” Project aims to elevate Silaki Island, famously known as the “Giant Clam Capital of the Philippines,” into a premier sustainable tourism destination.

Designed to highlight the heart-shaped island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, the project will feature eco-friendly infrastructure, including a Mini Experience Center, a Hanging Footbridge, Floating Docks, Viewport Structures, and a Welcome and Departure Pavilion. These enhancements are expected to boost the visitor experience while ensuring ecological preservation.

Joining the Secretary at the ceremonial capsule laying and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing were Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste, Vice Mayor Richard Celeste, Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste, Pangasinan Board Member Marinor De Guzman, DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, DOT Region I OIC Regional Director Evangeline Dadat, and TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Nicolas Lozada.

Partnerships for sustainable tourism

Following the groundbreaking ceremony, a MOA was signed between the Department of Tourism, TIEZA, and the Municipality of Bolinao, granting Php 15 million in funding for the Legacy of the Sea Project as part of its third-place win in the TCC.

Secretary Frasco likewise underscored the importance of collaboration, stating, “I very much look forward to the journey that the Legacy of the Sea project will take as it embodies the shared vision of the Department of Tourism, the LGU, and our stakeholders for a future where tourism uplifts communities and honors our heritage while protecting our environment,” the tourism chief said.

Meanwhile, Bolinao Mayor Celeste highlighted the growing tourism potential of the municipality and expressed his gratitude to Secretary Frasco for her visit and for extending vital funding support through the TCC program.

Board Member De Guzman delivered Governor Ramon Guico III’s message of congratulations to Bolinao, commending the municipality for its dedication to ecological tourism development through its award-winning Legacy of the Sea project.

Alaminos City Mayor Celeste, representing Congressman Arthur Celeste of the 1st District of Pangasinan, also expressed his appreciation for the national government’s continued support in advancing tourism and infrastructure development through the DOT.

Empowering tourism frontliners of Pangasinan

As part of the Legacy of the Sea event, Secretary Frasco recognized the indispensable contributions of Pangasinan’s tourism frontliners by distributing essential kits to 17 DOT-accredited tour guides. The kits, tailored to their unique needs, included sunblock, sunglasses, a fedora hat, an electronic lapel with microphone, and a tumbler—practical tools to support their vital role in promoting Philippine culture and heritage.

In a heartfelt gesture, Secretary Frasco also provided from her personal account each tour guide with accident insurance worth Php 50,000, underscoring her commitment to their welfare. “Nakikita natin, no matter the climate, no matter the season, our tour guides are always at the frontlines, continuing to perpetuate love for the Philippines. And yet they barely have any social protections when calamities strike. So today, binibigyan din natin ang ating tour guides ng personal accident insurance worth P50,000 para makatulong ito sa ating guides. Love our tour guides and Love the Philippines,” she said.

The 17 beneficiaries included nine DOT-accredited regional guides from Pangasinan and eight Bolinao community guides, whose important work is to tell the Filipino story with love.