Silaki Island, the country’s giant clam capital, is being propelled as the next go-to sustainable tourism destination in the north, with upcoming PHP15 million worth of improvements set to spruce it up.

In a ceremony on Monday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) broke ground for the Legacy of the Sea, one of the infrastructure project proposals that secured DOT funding through the Tourism Champion Challenge (TCC).

Under this program, the DOT said it aims to position Silaki as a “premier sustainable tourism destination” by boosting visitor experience and ensuring ecological preservation in the area.

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.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the project highlights how the national and local governments can work on projects that are innovative and at the same time community-driven.

“(Ang) Tourism Champions Challenge ay hindi siya proyekto na galing sa amin ‘yong idea. Galing ‘yon sa inyo (This TCC is not a DOT project. It came from you). 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,” Frasco said as she addressed the local community in Bolinao.

Joining Frasco at the ceremonial capsule laying and memorandum of agreement signing were Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste, Vice Mayor Richard Celeste, Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste, Pangasinan Board Member Marinor De Guzman, and other DOT officials.

Celeste highlighted the growing tourism potential of the municipality and thanked Frasco for extending vital funding support through the TCC program.

De Guzman delivered Governor Ramon Guico III’s message of congratulations to Bolinao, commending the municipality for its dedication to ecological tourism development.

As part of the Legacy of the Sea event, Frasco also recognized Pangasinan’s tourism front liners 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 a microphone, and a tumbler – practical tools to support their vital role in promoting Philippine culture and heritage.

Frasco, from her personal account, also provided each tour guide with accident insurance worth PHP50,000. (PNA)