DOT breaks ground on tourist rest area in Leyte

The Department of Tourism (DOT) marked a milestone for Eastern Visayas tourism as it officially broke ground for a Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in the Municipality of Inopacan, Leyte on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the ceremonial groundbreaking alongside local and national officials, including Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla—represented by Provincial Tourism Consultant Frances Ann Petilla—Congressman Carl Nicolas Cari, Mayor Rogelio Pua Jr., Vice Mayor Sanders Lumarda, and DOT Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao. Also in attendance were Assistant Secretary Christine Cari, TIEZA ACOO Jetro Nicolas Lozada, Director Glenn Ocampo, and DOT-Region 8 Director Karina Tiopes.

The TRA will be situated in Inopacan’s New Reclamation Area, a growing civic hub that already hosts a public market, restaurants, cafés, food stalls, a bay walk, and a children’s park. Once completed, the facility will provide essential amenities to travelers such as clean restrooms, a lounge and charging station, a tourist information desk, a dining space, and a pasalubong center.

“The construction of this Tourist Rest Area is a crucial step in making our tourism experiences more comfortable, welcoming, and inclusive—especially in emerging destinations like Inopacan,” Secretary Frasco said.

The TRA is expected not only to serve as a rest stop for visitors but also as a platform to promote local culture and products. The inclusion of a pasalubong center aims to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), helping to drive economic opportunities for local communities.

The project is part of the DOT’s nationwide program to establish tourist rest areas in strategic destinations, enhancing travel convenience and boosting domestic tourism infrastructure.