DOT-7 works on sustaining trancentral’s tourism appeal

CEBU, Philippines —  To complement the growing interest of people going to the highlands for leisure, the Department of Tourism (DOT-7) intensified its move to develop a strong culture of tourism along the 33-kilometer Transcentral Highway (TCH).

DOT, along with partners Cebu City Resource Management and Development Center and Sister Cities Drive, conducted two-day training, which started yesterday and ends today, October 26, 2021, on Filipino Brand of Service Excellence in Taptap, Cebu City.

DOT-7 has also partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 to proactively work alongside the local governments of Cebu City and Balamban to sustain the growth in businesses and promote tourism culture along the 33-kilometer TCH, now the top leisure destination among Cebuanos and out-of-town visitors.

According to DOT-7 regional director Shalimar Tamano, the TCH is now becoming a sought-after tourism attraction frequented by leisure guests—bikers, riders and families.

“We’ve never seen this huge traffic both in business and people than now in TCH. So we, in the DOT, DENR and the two local government units (LGUs) of Cebu City and Balamban, thought of keeping an eye on this rising destination to protect and preserve it,” said Tamano.

DOT-7 along with its partners have been regularly meeting with stakeholders in TCH and LGU officials to discuss matters and challenges on possible concerns players may encounter in these new favorite destination.

Tamano mentioned specifically in the area of proper waste disposal, tourism culture, traffic and safety, while visitors within the upland stretch are increasing with the easing of restrictions.

TCH as a destination is really making good. In fact, cafés and restaurant owners are seeing an income increase of 100 percent to 200 percent since the pandemic started, Tamano said.

“TCH’s scenic views are making Cebuanos endure the one-hour travel from Cebu City almost every day,” said Tamano, who also frequents the TCH for leisure and to conduct site inspections,” he added.

Even the Mt. Manunggal area is already attracting a lot of campers and trekkers, he pointed out.

Mt. Manunggal is the third-highest peak in Cebu. It is located in Barangay Magsaysay in Balamban, Cebu and is known as the site of the crash of the presidential plane Mt. Pinatubo which killed President Ramon Magsaysay and 24 others on March 17, 1957.

“We will be proactive to sustain the momentum of the TCH. Imagine if we will not start identifying the possible challenges, then what will happen to this destination, which really has a big potential, five years from now,” he said.

The group also aims to organize all the business and tourism stakeholders in TCH.

Besides working with the LGUs, Tamano said the group will also involve the Cebu Province in this long-term endeavor.

After the hard lockdown in 2020, the Cebu highlands now being branded as TCH has been the favorite destination not only for strollers and “roadtripers”, but also for food and beverage entrepreneurs who are opening dainty, novelty restaurants and cafes capitalizing on the healing mountain view and fresh air.