The Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Municipality of Silago formalized a significant partnership on Tuesday through the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the development of the “Silago Ridge to Reef Eco-Experience Project” (SIRREP). This initiative is one of the winning proposals from the DOT’s highly successful Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC).
The MOA outlines a clear framework for collaboration, with each party committing to specific roles to ensure the project’s success. The DOT will provide strategic guidance and national tourism direction, leveraging its expertise to align SIRREP with broader tourism goals. TIEZA will play a crucial role in funding and overseeing the vital infrastructure components necessary for the project’s implementation. Meanwhile, the Silago Local Government Unit (LGU) will lead the local implementation, manage all necessary permitting processes, and ensure the long-term sustainability and management of the eco-experience.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco underscored the project’s significance, describing it as a testament to the Marcos Administration’s dedication to inclusive tourism development. “The groundbreaking of the Silago Ridge to Reef Eco-Experience is a manifestation of the commitment of our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to equalizing tourism governance all over the country,” Secretary Frasco stated.
The Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC), a flagship program launched under Secretary Frasco’s leadership, aims to empower local government units across the Philippines. It provides essential funding support for innovative and sustainable tourism proposals designed to unlock the unique potential of local destinations.
“This Tourism Champions Challenge is borne out of the principle of governance that believes that tourism development should reach the farthest corners of our country,” Secretary Frasco added, highlighting the program’s focus on spreading tourism benefits nationwide.
Secretary Frasco also lauded Silago Mayor Lemuel Honor for his visionary leadership, noting that the municipality’s inclusion among the 15 TCC winners is a direct result of “the boldness of his vision, and his belief in the natural wonders and people of Silago.”
The agreement was signed by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Silago Mayor Lemuel Honor, and TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Gregory Oller. The ceremony was witnessed by Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado, District Representative Christopherson Yap (represented by Mr. Manolo Siervo, Jr.), and DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes.
The “Silago Ridge to Reef Eco-Experience Project” is poised to become a prime example of sustainable and community-driven tourism, showcasing Silago’s natural beauty and contributing to the economic growth of the region.
