There’s a new hangout place ready to welcome tourists when they travel to Bukidnon—in Manolo Fortich to be exact, a bucolic town known for its rolling hills and vast pineapple farms.
Officially called a Tourist Rest Area (TRA), the newly unveiled government-run hub is Mindanao’s first and is sufficiently furnished with amenities that aim to ensure that visitors have a comfy respite from sightseeing and exploring the town’s hidden gems.
It has an information center, a lounge decked out with charging stations, a cafe that serves legit Bukidnon coffee, clean restrooms where one can even take a quick shower, and a lactation room for breastfeeding moms.
Of course, there’s a pasalubong center within the hub that offers guests a treasure trove of local finds produced by small businesses in the province—from coffee, beaded items handcrafted by T’boli tribes to an assortment of delicacies.
The TRA also features artworks by Bukidnon’s local painters and leaf carvers, making it a feast for the eyes and IG-worthy.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) turned over the facility to the local government in a ceremony early this month.
“Bukidnon’s tourism potential has barely been scratched…This infrastructure project will be a great asset to the development of Bukidnon’s tourism industry,” said Bukidnon Gov. Rogelio Roque. “Manolo Fortich will continue giving wonders and inspiration to tourists as having the only aerial, music, arts, and food festival in the country,” he added.
The town, originally known as Maluko, was named in honor of Manolo Fortich, the first governor of Bukidnon who served from 1902 to 1914. It is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor attractions that include adventure parks and natural springs.
Its TRA is just one of the ten that will rise in various parts of the country to boost tourism.
