A promise fulfilled, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the groundbreaking of a Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Patikul, Province of Sulu on Wednesday (Sept. 18).
“I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to return, to fulfill a promise, the promise that under the Administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.—under the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas—no one will be left behind in the development of our country,” the Tourism Chief said.
She describes the groundbreaking of the Tourist Rest Area to provide economic opportunities and lend confidence to support the aspirations for their beautiful island.
Strategically located near the Provincial Capitol, the new TRA will be equipped with essential amenities such as restrooms, information desks, and a pasalubong center to promote local products and craftsmanship.
“What sets Sulu apart is its distinct ability to offer experiences from nowhere else, the deep-rooted traditions passed on through generations, the centuries-old artistry evident in Pis Siyabit weaving, the intricate culinary heritage of the Tausug people. These are what make Sulu an exceptional destination for both local and international tourists,” Secretary Frasco expounds on the rationale of this important initiative.
Following her first visit to Sulu last February, she saw firsthand the province’s readiness for tourism. The Tourism Chief said that she is confident that the province of Sulu will serve as an inspiration for other provinces in the Philippines to follow. “I thank all of you for joining us in the Marcos Administration's commitment to ensure that tourism continues to be a driving force to uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” she added.
DOT, Province of Sulu, and TIEZA sign agreement for Tourist Rest Area
After the groundbreaking ceremony, Secretary Frasco formalized the partnership for the construction of Sulu’s soon-to-rise TRA by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the provincial government of Sulu, the Municipality of Patikul and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
“The establishment of a Tourist Rest Area here evinces the commitment of the Marcos administration to support the momentum of growth for your province,” Tourism Secretary Frasco shared on the economic prospects of tourism.
“Tourism, when managed sustainably, becomes a force that uplifts communities. It brings revenue and opens opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange. This Tourist Rest Area is the physical embodiment of the vision of our President, where tourism drives economic growth and promotes, most importantly, our identity as Filipinos as we awaken the world to loving the Philippines from the lens of our traditions and our culture,” she continued.
The MOA outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party in the construction, management, and maintenance of the TRA, highlighting the collaborative efforts between DOT, TIEZA, and the local government to ensure the sustainability and efficient operation of the facility in accordance with DOT guidelines.
The agreement was signed by Secretary Frasco, TIEZA’s Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Lozada, and Sulu’s local government, represented by Governor Abdusakur Tan and Patikul Municipality Mayor Kabir Hayudini. The signing was also witnessed by DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar and Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur "Toto" Tan II.
As part of the specific needs of the province and with respect to religious sensitivities, the Patikul TRA will include a Musalla, a prayer room for Muslim brothers and sisters, as recommended by Undersecretary Abubakar who heads the Department’s Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns.
Additionally, the TRA will feature sustainable elements such as solar panels and a rainwater catchment system, making it both eco-friendly and resource-efficient.
“I am confident that the province of Sulu, under the leadership of your Governor, your officials here, will serve as an inspiration for other provinces in the Philippines to follow. I thank all of you for joining us in the Marcos Administration's commitment to ensure that tourism continues to be a driving force to uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” said Secretary Frasco, addressing the 19 municipality mayors and local leaders who witnessed the groundbreaking and MOA signing.
Joining the Tourism Chief on her second visit to the province, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, in his message of support, emphasized that tourism in Sulu will open opportunities for job creation and drive the region’s economic growth. He also affirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to augment the Department’s budget, enabling the creation of more vital tourism infrastructure. “With national and local governments working together to achieve our aspirations for our nation, we can be assured that this proud and historic province of Sulu will see its brightest days yet,” added the Representative of Cebu’s 5th District who generously donated additional cash prizes to the Bangsa Sug Day competition winners.
Governor Tan highlighted that the development of tourism infrastructure, such as the Tourist Rest Area, will significantly boost Sulu’s tourism potential while preserving the province’s rich cultural and religious heritage. He also expressed his gratitude to the couple for their unwavering support, which he believes will further elevate Sulu as a key destination in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, in his welcome remarks, Vice Governor Toto Tan expressed that the DOT has played a crucial role in the pursuit of lasting peace in the province. “Department of Tourism ang nagbukas ng bintana hindi lamang sa buong Pilipinas kung hindi hanggang sa ibang panig ng mundo nakarating kung ano man ang tinatago ang aming lalawigan na kagandahan para ipagsigawan namin na ‘Ganito kami sa Sulu,’” he remarked.
The Sulu TRA is the fifth in Mindanao and the 15th overall, further enhancing the network of Tourist Rest Areas across the Philippines.
Passion for Tausug fashion at Sulu’s Bangsa Sug Day
Prior to the TRA groundbreaking and MOA signing, Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was the guest of honor at the 643rd Bangsa Sug Day Anniversary in Maimbung, Sulu, where she saw and was all praises at the textiles, weaving, and creativity of the Tausug people during the Pis Siyabit: The Fashion Show.
In her speech, Secretary Frasco also highlighted the DOT’s initiatives in promoting Halal tourism, noting its growing significance in Sulu and across the country. She emphasized how Halal tourism presents opportunities for both cultural preservation and economic growth, especially as the Philippines continues to be recognized as an Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination. She shared that the DOT is expanding its portfolio by increasing Halal-certified dining options and making tourism more inclusive, with initiatives like the recent launch of the Marhaba area for Muslim travelers and the first-ever Halal Tourism and Trade Expo, SALAAM.
The Pis Siyabit is a vibrant textile showcase featuring local designers from Sulu’s 19 municipalities, each presenting three distinct outfits. These designs showcased the intricate craftsmanship of indigenous clothing, further highlighting Sulu’s rich cultural heritage and the province’s exceptional creative talent.
The stellar show also featured a pangalay performance, a traditional Tausug dance, and was top-billed by the first Tausug to land the cover of Vogue, Shaira Ventura. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Maimbung took home the title for creative patchwork designs using denim-like ensembles accentuated by the Pis Siyabit. The Municipalities of Parang and Pata followed as 1st and 2nd runner-ups, respectively.
The celebration, themed “Fostering the Gagandilan Spirit of the Bangsa Sug towards a Brighter and Stronger Lupah Sug,” included a range of activities such as sports competitions, the Grand Street Dance Competition, the Dulang Competition, and the Booth Competition.
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