CEBU – The Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in the town of Medellin has been repurposed as a drop-off point for a bayanihan donation drive in Cebu following the deadly 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the province on September 30.
On its Facebook post, the Municipality of Medellin announced that the TRA will be open 24/7 to accommodate donations for those affected by the recent earthquake.
“The Municipality of Medellin has established a 24/7 drop-off area for relief item donations at the Medellin Tourist Rest Area, located in front of the Medellin Municipal Hall. This drop-off point is accessible to all types of vehicles,” the post said.
Initially designed to offer comfort, safety, and convenience to both local and international travelers, the first-ever TRA in Medellin town has evolved into a crucial hub for relief efforts. In the aftermath of the recent earthquake that struck the Province of Cebu, it now serves as a vital drop-off and coordination point for relief goods and donations.
“I thank our fellow Cebuanos and fellow Filipinos who have come to the aid of the people here in Cebu. Our Tourist Rest Areas here in Cebu, including the one in the Municipality of Medellin, continues to be open, and it is ready to receive and be a drop-off point for those who may wish to provide assistance to the Cebuanos affected by this tragedy,” Secretary Frasco said, as she joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., and her fellow Cabinet Officials, in the continued inspection in Cebu, particularly at ground zero.
The TRA is a flagship project of the DOT under the Marcos Administration, in partnership with its infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
The Secretary said other tangible relief aid to Cebu may also be dropped-off to other TRA locations in Moalboal, Carcar, and Carmen.