Medellin: The government-constructed Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Medellin is now open 24/7 to accept donations for victims of the deadly 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30. The municipality of Medellin announced that the TRA had been repurposed as a drop-off point to accommodate donations for those affected by the tremor.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco expressed her gratitude to the community, stating, "I thank our fellow Cebuanos and fellow Filipinos who have come to the aid of the people here in Cebu." Frasco emphasized that the Tourist Rest Areas in Cebu, including the one in Medellin, are open and ready to serve as donation drop-off points for those wishing to assist the earthquake victims.
Frasco, along with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and other Cabinet officials, has been actively inspecting affected areas in Cebu, including ground zero in Bogo City. The TRA initiative is a flagship project of the Department of Tourism (DOT) under the current administration, in collaboration with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
Originally, the TRA was designed to provide comfort, safety, and convenience to both local and international travelers, with the first-ever facility established in Medellin. Frasco also mentioned that donations can be delivered to other TRA locations in Moalboal, Carcar, and Carmen.
