The second Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Pangasinan will soon rise in Manaoag, the province’s faith tourism capital.
Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, in an interview on Tuesday, said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon Guico III to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the construction of the facility.
He said the provincial government requested the facility from the DOT following the inauguration of the first TRA in Lingayen in February this year.
“The number one tourism destination in the province of Pangasinan is the Church of Manaoag (Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag). The church itself is throwing a significant chunk to our tourist arrivals, even bigger than the first district combined. That’s how big the faith tourism of our province is when it comes to Manaoag,” he said.
Aside from the ongoing improvements of facilities, roads, and infrastructures in the town, the TRA would further improve the visit of the devotees and visitors, he said.
“This is going to be similar to what was built in Lingayen that we opened a few months ago. And now it’s catering to visitors and tourists here at the provincial capitol and Lingayen Beach,” Lambino said.
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office head Ma. Luisa Elduayan, in an interview on Monday, said the TRA would be funded by a DOT grant through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.
Meanwhile, the provincial government will manage the operation and maintenance of the facility.
“It will be completed as part of the Manaoag Development Project of the province. The area owned by the provincial government will be developed with parking facilities and food stalls. Hopefully, next year, it will be operational,” she said.
The TRA offers amenities aimed at improving visitor experience.
The PHP10-million facility will include clean restrooms, lounge, charging stations, lactation area and a pasalubong center featuring local Pangasinan products. (PNA)
