San Remigio, Antique—The Department of Tourism (DOT) reinforced its commitment to sustainable tourism with the groundbreaking of the province’s first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) on Thursday (Nov. 21) in Brgy. Aningalan, San Remigio, Antique.
Led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the ceremony marked a major milestone in advancing both the global competitiveness of Philippine tourism and the DOT’s efforts to ensure environmental stewardship in all its initiatives.
The TRA, the 16th in the country and the second in the Western Visayas Region following Tubungan, Iloilo, is part of the Secretary’s flagship projects under the Marcos Administration to provide essential infrastructure while integrating sustainability into tourism development.
“Sustainability is at the forefront of the development of Philippine tourism, and that is why our goals are very well aligned with Senator Loren (Legarda), whom you all know has been a champion for conservation in these very many years for our country,” Secretary Frasco remarked during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony.
The San Remigio TRA will feature clean restrooms, tourist information desks, charging stations, and a pasalubong center showcasing local products, among others.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the facility now incorporates eco-friendly elements such as solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system, and energy-efficient designs to minimize environmental impact while providing modern amenities for travelers.
The DOT also emphasized sustainability in the TRA’s operations, ensuring that the facility will be maintained in line with stringent environmental standards. The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) will oversee construction and funding, the local government unit (LGU) will manage and maintain the facility, and the DOT will monitor compliance with sustainability guidelines.
Secretary Frasco presented a scale model of the TRA to San Remigio Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. and Congressman Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda Jr., symbolizing the collaborative effort to bring sustainable tourism infrastructure to Antique.
San Remigio Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. expressed his gratitude, calling the project a historic first for the municipality. “This is a historic moment for our town. For the first time in 169 years, we are honored by the visit of a Secretary—the alter ego of our President. Secretary, maraming, maraming salamat,” the mayor said. “This is a valuable learning process for all of us in San Remigio. We must take this opportunity to learn, to enhance our capabilities, and to enrich our experiences so that our town can grow and become competitive—not just within the Philippines but on the global stage.”
Congressman Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda Jr. echoed the sentiment, highlighting the TRA’s potential to enhance Antique’s tourism landscape. “This new facility (Tourist Rest Area) will serve as a sanctuary where visitors can relax, refresh, and experience the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes that make Antique truly special…Our goal is to transform Antique into a globally competitive destination that embraces modern trends while preserving its cultural heritage,” he said.
Known as the “Summer Capital of Antique,” San Remigio boasts a unique highland tourism landscape with a cool climate, lush greenery, and eco-tourism attractions such as the Highland Strawberry Garden, Danao Lake, and the Rafflesia site. The TRA is strategically located to serve as a rest stop for travelers exploring these destinations while supporting the local economy and empowering small businesses.
Senator Loren Legarda, a longtime champion of sustainability, lauded the initiative. “Ang pagtatayo ng Tourist Rest Area dito sa Aningalan, San Remigio ay sumasalamin sa ating layunin na gawing pangunahing destinasyon ang Antique para sa makakalikasang turismo…Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang ating probinsya bilang isang modelo ng progresibong turismo, na may malasakit sa kalikasan at kultura,” she said in a message read by Congressman Legarda.
“You will never run out of reasons to love the Philippines and that is the thrust of the administration, in that we are expanding economic opportunities by diversifying our tourism products, investing in tourism infrastructure and investing in the Filipino people,” Secretary Frasco added.
As part of the event, Secretary Frasco also distributed essential kits to 43 accredited tour guides from the province, recognizing their role as ambassadors of tourism. Each guide received practical tools for their work as well as personal accident insurance valued at Php 50,000.
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Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco leads the groundbreaking ceremony of San Remigio, Antique’s first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) and 16th overall in the country.
L-R: Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Nicolas Lozada, Congressman Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda, Jr., DOT Secretary Frasco, San Remigio Mayor Margarito Mission Jr., and DOT Western Visayas Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez signed the Memorandum of Agreement for the San Remigio TRA.
Local leaders, including Senator Loren Legarda, Congressman AA Legarda, and San Remigio Mayor Mission, expressed their gratitude and pledged unwavering support for the DOT’s Tourist Rest Area initiative and the advancement of the tourism industry in the province.
A gesture of love for Antique’s tourism frontliners: Secretary Frasco distributed kits and accident insurance from her personal funds to 43 DOT-accredited tour guides during the TRA ceremony
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