The first ever Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Mindanao has been inaugurated in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Tourists traveling to Bukidnon and neighboring provinces can now make a safe and comfortable stopover at the said TRA.

A flagship project of the Department of Tourism to provide convenience and comfort to tourists, the TRA is a convergence point that foreign and local travelers could approach to get information on tourism sites and attractions, activities, and accommodations, and to report concerns related to safety and security.

According to the DOT, the construction of TRAs in strategic locations all over the country is a fulfillment of the promise of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to give tourism development priority under his administration, to invest in infrastructure, connectivity, innovation, and digitalization, and to equalize tourism opportunities.

The Manolo Fortich TRA is 1 of 10 other TRAs across the country. The other TRAs are located in Ilocos Norte, Baguio City, Bohol, Palawan, Samal Island in Davao, and several in Cebu.

The TRA features an array of amenities, including a coffee shop, a tourist information area, lactating room, free charging stations, and free and clean bathrooms and shower facilities. It also has a pasalubong center and souvenir shop where tourists can buy local crafts and products of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing an opportunity for local communities to generate livelihoods and promote their prime tourism offerings.

The local government of Manolo Fortich is tasked to keep the TRA well-maintained. (Photo supplied by Philippine Information Agency – Bukidnon)

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