BONTOC, Mountain Province – A team of validators from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) conducted an inspection and validation activity at the project sites for the two proposed tourism infrastructure projects in Mountain Province on June 27, 2024.
The validation team from TIEZA was composed of Architectural Designers Mark Efrel Resoso, Structural Designer Armando Verdadero, and Civil Estimator Russel Soriano. They were accompanied by Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Roger U. Sacyaten and Architect Noel A. Fagyan.
Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. personally welcomed the validation team in his office. During his conversation with them, Governor Lacwasan expressed his gratitude to the TIEZA for their nonstop support to Mountain Province.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong suporta. Sana ay patuloy pa nating palakasin ang turismo ng Mountain Province,” Lacwasan said.
The first area that was inspected and validated was the project site for the construction of the Provincial Tourism, Cultural Center, and Museum Building located at the Provincial Capitol compound.
Based on the letter sent by Governor Lacwasan to TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid, he explained that the proposed project is a four-story building that will house the Provincial Tourism Office (PTourO), the Cultural Office and Center, a museum, and a multi-purpose hall.
The building has a land area of approximately 400 square meters and a budget allocation of over PhP29 million that will come from TIEZA.
Once completed, the PTourO, Cultural Center, and Museum Building is expected to boost the tourism and cultural services of the Provincial Tourism Office to their clients.
The second project site that went through inspection and validation was the area for the construction of the 10-million-peso Tourist Rest Area (TRA) at the entry road going to barangay Bay-yo, Bontoc.
The TRA aims to enhance the overall tourism experience of local and foreign tourists by providing convenience and comfort to tourists which include the provision of clean restrooms, and an information desk where they can get information about their destination among others.
The inspection and validation concluded with promising results. However, there are still some necessary documents and requirements that need to be submitted. Sacyaten gave assurance that the PTourO will comply with the lacking requirements and will closely keep in touch with the validators. By HENT
