THE local government of Baguio is studying a proposal from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to construct a tourism service center and rest area (TSCRA) along Camp 7, Kennon Road.
The proposed rest area is near the Lion’s Head and is some seven km away from the Baguio City Hall.
With a size of 35 square meters, the proposed rest area for tourists is estimated to cost some P7 million, with the TIEZA having earmarked funding for its construction. The amount is for the construction of the building, provision of a parking area, installation of signage, soft and hard landscaping, and perimeter fencing with solar lighting.
According to the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), the land development would cost around P4.9 million, to be shouldered by the city government. The CPDO also said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is currently working on the titling of the lot.
The project is part of a nationwide push to improve the tourism experience in the various tourist destinations in the country, with Baguio City being one of 10 locations to receive TSCRA. The groundbreaking of the first batch of Tourism Rest Areas (TRAs) was held on October 7-8 in Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, Samal Island in Davao del Norte, and in Carmen and Medellin towns in Cebu.
The mayor’s office earlier in September forwarded the plan to the Baguio City Council for review. It was then presented to the council on Monday and is undergoing deliberations.
The DOT is targeting to break ground on 10 TRAs across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for 2022.
