MOALBOAL REST AREA. Replicas of two giant pawikan are additional attractions to the Tourist Rest Area in Moalboal, Cebu, that formally opens on Wednesday (Dec. 20, 2023). Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the facility that houses clean restrooms, an information center, and pasalubong(souvenir) stores would boost tourist experience in the dive and Sardine Run town and neighboring tourist areas. (Photo courtesy of Capitol PIO)
CEBU CITY – The new Tourism Rest Area (TRA) inaugurated Wednesday in the Sardine Run and dive town of Moalboal would advance visitors’ experience as the locality earns global recognition due to its rich natural marine resources.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in her travels abroad to market the country’s tourist spots, the province of Cebu, particularly Moalboal, would always take center stage in their promotional efforts.
“In our trips abroad, everywhere that I go, I am always so proud to share that I am from Cebu. It is because if we speak about tourism, Cebu has been known by our tourism stakeholders and the tourists all over the world,” Frasco said in a mix of English and Cebuano in her speech during the inauguration of the TRA in Barangay Tunga.
Like other TRAs, the facility has information center, clean restrooms and shower rooms, and Pasalubong stores.
The Department of Tourism chief said the town of Moalboal would always get the highlight during dive expositions and exhibits all over the globe because of its admirable dive sites.
The town is famous for its Sardine Run dive that can be experienced throughout the year.
Apart from the Sardine Run, Moalboal is also known for its rich marine life such as giant Pawikan (sea turtle) in Pescador Island where divers from around the Philippines and the world could take breathtaking photos and videos of different sea creatures.
The town, which is famous for night chill-out white beaches, is also a 30-minute drive to the canyoneering site and the famous Kawasan Falls in Badian town and near the Ronda Marine Sanctuary where snorkelers and drivers could swim with bigger fish.
Divers and snorkelers can also experience the rich sea resources in the Tuble Marine Sanctuary, dive walls of Kasai Reef, and Tongo Marine Sanctuary.
“I was just in awe and in absolute marvel at the beauty of your natural marine resources,” Frasco said, as she shared her diving experience in the area last June.
She also thanked the local officials and other stakeholders for preserving the marine resources. (PNA)
