Manila: The Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the municipal government of Tubigon in Bohol province have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a project that aims to boost tourism, create local jobs, and promote environmental education.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Enchanted Ilijan Plug of Tubigon Project marks the beginning of development for the town's top-ranking proposal under the Tourism Champions Challenge (TCC) program. This initiative will transform Ilijan Hill, recognized as the country's first confirmed volcanic plug and part of Bohol's UNESCO Global Geopark, into a sustainable tourist destination. The project will be supported by a PHP-25 million funding grant from the DOT.

The MOA was signed by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Tubigon Mayor Marlon Amila, and TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Nicolas Lozada. Secretary Frasco, who has also served as mayor of Liloan in Cebu, emphasized the importance of local government units (LGUs) in developing effective national projects. She noted that the Tourism Champions Challenge was established to crowdsource innovative ideas from the ground level.

Under the MOA, the DOT will provide strategic tourism guidance, while TIEZA will be responsible for infrastructure implementation. The Tubigon LGU will manage permits, execution, and long-term operations. The Enchanted Ilijan Plug project will include the construction of an Ilijan Trail and summit garden, a pavilion, an arts and cultural village, and support facilities such as parking areas.

The DOT's Tourism Champions Challenge received proposals from nearly 100 LGUs across the country. Tubigon's winning entry showcases the potential of LGU-driven tourism development, with national agencies providing essential infrastructure and policy support.