A promise fulfilled, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary
Christina Garcia Frasco led the groundbreaking of a Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in
Patikul, Province of Sulu on Wednesday (Sept. 18).
“I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to
return, to fulfill a promise, the promise that under the Administration of
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.—under the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas—no
one will be left behind in the development of our country,” the
Tourism Chief said.
She describes the groundbreaking of the Tourist Rest Area to
provide economic opportunities and lend confidence to support the aspirations
for their beautiful island.
Strategically located near the Provincial Capitol, the new
TRA will be equipped with essential amenities such as restrooms, information
desks, and a pasalubong center to promote local products and craftsmanship.
“What sets Sulu apart is its distinct ability to offer
experiences from nowhere else, the deep-rooted traditions passed on through
generations, the centuries-old artistry evident in Pis Siyabit weaving, the
intricate culinary heritage of the Tausug people. These are what make Sulu an
exceptional destination for both local and international tourists,” Secretary
Frasco expounds on the rationale of this important initiative.
Following her first visit to Sulu last February, she saw
firsthand the province’s readiness for tourism. The Tourism Chief said that she
is confident that the province of Sulu will serve as an inspiration for other
provinces in the Philippines to follow. “I thank all of you for joining us in
the Marcos Administration's commitment to ensure that tourism continues to be a
driving force to uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” she added.
DOT, Province of Sulu, and TIEZA sign agreement for
Tourist Rest Area
After the groundbreaking ceremony, Secretary Frasco
formalized the partnership for the construction of Sulu’s soon-to-rise TRA by
signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the provincial government of Sulu,
the Municipality of Patikul and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA).
“The establishment of a Tourist Rest Area here evinces
the commitment of the Marcos administration to support the momentum of growth
for your province,” Tourism Secretary Frasco shared on the economic
prospects of tourism.
“Tourism, when managed sustainably, becomes a force that
uplifts communities. It brings revenue and opens opportunities for economic
growth and cultural exchange. This Tourist Rest Area is the physical embodiment
of the vision of our President, where tourism drives economic growth and
promotes, most importantly, our identity as Filipinos as we awaken the world to
loving the Philippines from the lens of our traditions and our culture,” she
continued.
The MOA outlines the roles and responsibilities of each
party in the construction, management, and maintenance of the TRA, highlighting
the collaborative efforts between DOT, TIEZA, and the local government to
ensure the sustainability and efficient operation of the facility in accordance
with DOT guidelines.
The agreement was signed by Secretary Frasco, TIEZA’s
Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Lozada, and Sulu’s local government,
represented by Governor Abdusakur Tan and Patikul Municipality Mayor Kabir
Hayudini. The signing was also witnessed by DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz
Valderrosa-Abubakar and Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur "Toto" Tan II.
As part of the specific needs of the province and with
respect to religious sensitivities, the Patikul TRA will include a Musalla, a
prayer room for Muslim brothers and sisters, as recommended by Undersecretary
Abubakar who heads the Department’s Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns.
Additionally, the TRA will feature sustainable elements such
as solar panels and a rainwater catchment system, making it both eco-friendly
and resource-efficient.
“I am confident that the province of Sulu, under the
leadership of your Governor, your officials here, will serve as an inspiration
for other provinces in the Philippines to follow. I thank all of you for
joining us in the Marcos Administration's commitment to ensure that tourism
continues to be a driving force to uplift the lives of our fellow
Filipinos,” said Secretary Frasco, addressing the 19 municipality
mayors and local leaders who witnessed the groundbreaking and MOA signing.
Joining the Tourism Chief on her second visit to the
province, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, in his message of support, emphasized
that tourism in Sulu will open opportunities for job creation and drive the
region’s economic growth. He also affirmed the commitment of the House of
Representatives to augment the Department’s budget, enabling the creation of
more vital tourism infrastructure. “With national and local governments
working together to achieve our aspirations for our nation, we can be assured
that this proud and historic province of Sulu will see its brightest days yet,” added
the Representative of Cebu’s 5th District who generously donated additional
cash prizes to the Bangsa Sug Day competition winners.
Governor Tan highlighted that the development of tourism
infrastructure, such as the Tourist Rest Area, will significantly boost Sulu’s
tourism potential while preserving the province’s rich cultural and religious
heritage. He also expressed his gratitude to the couple for their unwavering
support, which he believes will further elevate Sulu as a key destination in
Mindanao.
Meanwhile, in his welcome remarks, Vice Governor Toto Tan
expressed that the DOT has played a crucial role in the pursuit of lasting
peace in the province. “Department of Tourism ang nagbukas ng bintana
hindi lamang sa buong Pilipinas kung hindi hanggang sa ibang panig ng mundo
nakarating kung ano man ang tinatago ang aming lalawigan na kagandahan para
ipagsigawan namin na ‘Ganito kami sa Sulu,’” he remarked.
The Sulu TRA is the fifth in Mindanao and the 15th overall,
further enhancing the network of Tourist Rest Areas across the Philippines.
Passion for Tausug fashion at Sulu’s Bangsa Sug Day
Prior to the TRA groundbreaking and MOA signing, Secretary
Christina Garcia Frasco was the guest of honor at the 643rd Bangsa Sug Day
Anniversary in Maimbung, Sulu, where she saw and was all praises at the
textiles, weaving, and creativity of the Tausug people during the Pis Siyabit:
The Fashion Show.
In her speech, Secretary Frasco also highlighted the DOT’s
initiatives in promoting Halal tourism, noting its growing significance in Sulu
and across the country. She emphasized how Halal tourism presents opportunities
for both cultural preservation and economic growth, especially as the
Philippines continues to be recognized as an Emerging Muslim-friendly
Destination. She shared that the DOT is expanding its portfolio by increasing
Halal-certified dining options and making tourism more inclusive, with
initiatives like the recent launch of the Marhaba area for Muslim travelers and
the first-ever Halal Tourism and Trade Expo, SALAAM.
The Pis Siyabit is a vibrant textile showcase featuring
local designers from Sulu’s 19 municipalities, each presenting three distinct
outfits. These designs showcased the intricate craftsmanship of indigenous
clothing, further highlighting Sulu’s rich cultural heritage and the province’s
exceptional creative talent.
The stellar show also featured a pangalay performance, a
traditional Tausug dance, and was top-billed by the first Tausug to land the
cover of Vogue, Shaira Ventura. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Maimbung took
home the title for creative patchwork designs using denim-like ensembles
accentuated by the Pis Siyabit. The Municipalities of Parang and Pata followed
as 1st and 2nd runner-ups, respectively.
The celebration, themed “Fostering the Gagandilan Spirit of
the Bangsa Sug towards a Brighter and Stronger Lupah Sug,” included a range of
activities such as sports competitions, the Grand Street Dance Competition, the
Dulang Competition, and the Booth Competition.
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