The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the infrastructure and investment arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), presented to its Board of Directors on October 25 the proposed tourism infrastructure and Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) projects for the last quarter of the year.

TIEZA’s Project D.R.E.A.M.S. is an initiative focused to build targeted tourism infrastructures specializing in “Destination, Restoration, Eco sustainability, Agritourism, Medical Assistance, and Security and Accessibility.” TIEZA also prioritizes the accreditation and expansion of TEZs, encouraging investment therein to provide potential investors the opportunity to become part of the steadily growing development of high-impact tourism enterprises.

The Board approved five (5) tourism infrastructure projects such as the beautification of the coastal road network Legazpi Boulevard in Legazpi City, Albay; the restoration of Saint Joseph the Patriarch Church, a Baroque church considered a national cultural treasure in the Municipality of Aguilar, Pangasinan; and the construction of Tourism Assistance Centers (TACs) in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, in Tanay, Rizal, and in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. These projects aim to promote and boost the tourism activity of each locality by creating jobs in the construction and operation, in effect, increasing the local revenue. The TACs shall provide a one-stop venue to address the needs of the locals as well as the tourists. These projects will not only contribute to inclusive growth, but also environment protection and cultural heritage preservation.

For the Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) projects, the Board approved the registration of Hijo Resources Corporation as Tourism Estate Management Facilities and Services (TEMFS) of Hijo Resorts TEZ in Tagum City, Davao del Norte; the registration of Phil. U.R.I. Development as TEMFS of Queen’s Castle TEZ in Medellin, Cebu; the designation of Panglao Bay Premiere Flagship TEZ and its Comprehensive Tourism Master Plan; and the respective Comprehensive Tourism Master Plans for Bucas Grande Flagship TEZ and for Mt. Samat Shrine Flagship TEZ. As TEZ operators, they shall administer the TEZ and supervise its activities while as TEMFS, they shall handle the property by developing, operating, and controlling development to be faithful to the master plan.

In photo: TIEZA Board of Directors convened on October 25 to discuss the proposed tourism infrastructures and Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) projects for the last quarter of 2017.