DOT, TIEZA roll out rest stops for travelers

Remember the days when finding a decent restroom on the road meant relying on a gas station or a random eatery? Those days are becoming a thing of the past in the Philippines, thanks to the introduction of Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs).

The Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) have been actively establishing these TRAs across the country. With multiple groundbreakings and inaugurations already conducted, the initiative aims to establish TRAs from as far north as Batanes to as far south as Tawi-Tawi. These newly-built tourism infrastructure, the first of its kind in the country, promise to transform road travel in the Philippines, making road trips more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone.

Where are the Tourist Rest Areas?

Since Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco assumed office, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has been working to build 100 Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) nationwide, with around 20 already inaugurated or under construction, according to the agency.

Several TRAs have already been inaugurated and handed over to their respective Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines. These include locations in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; Roxas, Palawan; Dauis, Bohol; Medellin, Moalboal, Carmen, and Carcar City in Cebu; Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; and Samal Island, Davao del Norte. Meanwhile, some TRAs are fully completed and awaiting inauguration, including those in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat (completed 8 April) and Brooke’s Point, Palawan (completed 18 June). Others — such as Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental, Tubungan in Iloilo, San Remigio in Antique, and Initao in Misamis Oriental — are nearing completion and expected to be fully operational within the year.

What exactly is a Tourist Rest Area?

Strategically located in key areas, the TRAs are designed to offer travelers clean, accessible, and comfortable facilities. These rest areas are more than just a stop along the journey; they serve as a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Information counters are available to assist travelers with directions and recommendations, ensuring a seamless travel experience. For families, breastfeeding rooms provide a private and comfortable space for nursing mothers, while the highlight of the TRAs — clean toilets — ensures hygienic and stress-free stops.

The TRAs also serve as a platform for the flourishing of local tourism, benefiting cooperatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as the LGUs hosting them. TRAs feature a pasalubong or souvenir shop and café spaces serving local coffee, giving visitors a taste of the destination’s culture.

The inclusion of pasalubong centers offers a delightful opportunity to explore local crafts and souvenirs, supporting community artisans and boosting the local economy.

Some TRAs are also envisioned as models of sustainable tourism, equipped with rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels to promote eco-friendly practices.

Except for the pasalubongs, everything is free!

Who maintains it?

Fully funded and constructed by the DoT through TIEZA, the TRA will be managed and operated by the partner LGUs together with cooperatives, MSMEs, and even local tourism associations. This ensures local participation, livelihood opportunities, and operational continuity.

TRAs are also designed to generate revenue, with pasalubong centers and café spaces to be operated through local partnerships.

LGUs like them!

The municipal government of Carmen in Cebu and Leyte 5th District Representative Carl Nicolas C. Cari both thanked the DoT, under the leadership of Secretary Frasco, for being given TRAs in their respective jurisdictions.

In their respective statements, both emphasized the importance of TRAs — not only for providing convenience to travelers, but also for driving economic growth in communities that rely on tourism for their livelihood.

Under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, the DOT saw the need to build TRAs in response to the appeals for “clean, accessible rest areas that travelers say they need most.”

Funding for the erection of the TRAs comes from the TIEZA, the DOT’s infrastructure arm, and would only be used for construction purposes, noted the agency.

The TRAs also support the DoT’s broader push for inclusive tourism through initiatives like the Tourism Champions Challenge, the Tourist Assistance Call Center, and the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), which highlights heritage, arts, and culture through nationwide roadshows.

In his statement, Rep. Cari said the TRA to be built in the Municipality of Inopacan in the province of Leyte would “exemplify the government’s commitment to further enhancing the travel experience and promoting inclusive growth across local communities.”

“Beyond offering comfort and convenience, the TRA in the Municipality of Inopacan will be a significant boost to our local tourism industry... The establishment of a TRA will be instrumental in servicing the growing number of visitors by providing functional and conducive spaces for tourists and transient travelers. More than a tourist information center, the TRA will offer essential amenities such as a tourist lounge area, charging stations, clean restrooms and shower rooms, souvenir shops, and ample parking spaces to ensure the best experience for all,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Government of Carmen said its TRA has “played a strategic role in promoting the municipality’s wide range of tourism offerings — from Adventure Parks and Natural Springs, Beach Resorts to Gastronomic Delights, Wellness Destinations, and Religious and Cultural sites” through its information hub.

“Notably, the availability of tourist vehicles stationed at the TRA further enhances its effectiveness by providing safe and convenient access to these attractions. This added mobility ensures that tourists can seamlessly visit various destinations across the municipality, contributing to increased foot traffic and economic activity throughout the area,” said the local government.

It added, “In every aspect, the Carmen Tourist Rest Area exemplifies the impact of strong inter-agency collaboration and shared vision. We commend the Department of Tourism for this meaningful initiative.”

In support of local businesses

Also, Mayor Carlo Teves Villamor of Carmen pointed out, “No single amount of money is wasted, with its sunrise-to-sunset, Monday-to-Sunday operation, the structure delivers not just for tourists, but for locals and day visitors,” referring to the TRA.

For local entrepreneurs involved in the TRAs, the Caramay Coffee Planters Cooperative in Roxas, Palawan, recognized the facility’s role in promoting their products, including coffee, cashew nuts, and banana chips.

According to its manager Leticia Monterola, “Sa pagbili nyo po ng aming produkto, kayo po ay nakakatulong sa aming ng farmers, nakakapagpaaral po kami ng aming mga anak hindi na kami maghahanap ng market, kayo na po lalapit sa aming mga produkto.”

Also, Roger C. Saguinon Sr. of Rogelio Coffee in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, was “happy for all local officials in the local government unit of Manolo Fortich for coming up with such an innovative, creative idea of putting up a Tourist Rest Area.” “The way I look at it is not for display of products, it is also one way of welcoming those people who are in need of rest… I am happy with that beautiful edifice,” he added.

Secretary Frasco thanked local officials and stakeholders for their strong support and enthusiasm for their TRAs.

“I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support shown for one of the Department of Tourism’s flagship projects. The Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) are not just infrastructure developments; they are catalysts for uplifting communities. These facilities are designed to generate revenue and open avenues for economic growth and cultural exchange. They embody our President’s vision of tourism as a driver of economic prosperity, while also promoting our unique Filipino identity. Through these TRAs, we invite the world to experience the Philippines through the rich tapestry of our traditions and culture,” declared the Tourism chief.