Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid led the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for the construction of the permanent office of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region III in Barangay Calulut, City of San Fernando.

The two-story building will serve as the permanent headquarters of the DOT Central Luzon regional office, providing a dedicated facility for the agency’s operations in the region.

During the ceremony, Lapid welcomed the project, noting that the new office would finally provide DOT Region III with its own permanent home. He also expressed pride that the facility will be located in Pampanga and thanked the City Government of San Fernando for providing the land for the project.

TIEZA has allocated P45.39 million for the construction of the building, which is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027.

Joining Lapid at the groundbreaking rites were DOT Region III Director Richard Daenos, City of San Fernando Councilor Reggie David, City Administrator Kristannico Abad, City Engineer Anele David, and City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan.

The Central Luzon office is one of three DOT regional offices currently being financed by TIEZA, alongside similar projects underway in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and Legazpi City, Albay.