HOUSE F REPRESENTATI

RECEIVED
pare: 90 JUN 2016
Republic of the Philippines et
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE: Tue 0221
Quezon City BY:

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

625

HOUSE BILL NO.

REGIS” RATION UNIT
BILLS a\. INDEX SERVICE

Introduced by Honorable Fernando V. Gonzalez

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 declared tourism as an indispensable
element of the national economy and an industry of national interest and importance, which must
be harnessed as an engine of socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate
investment, foreign exchange and employment and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of
national pride for all Filipinos

In this light, this bill seeks to declare the Municipality of Jovellarin the province of
Albay as an ecotourism zone. Located in Jovelllar are tourist spots that have tremendous
tourism potential such as the Quitinday Falls, caves and underground river and the Quipia River
that runs all the way to butanding-famous Donsol in Sorsogon

Developing Jovellar into an ecotourism zone will generate investment and foreign
exchange in the area and will also provide employment opportunities for local residents. With
the influx of tourists, the ecotourism zone will be a significant source of business opportunities.

Lack of sufficient lodging and retail facilities and round-the-clock public transportation
hinder the socioeconomic and environmental development of the area. When the Municipality of
Jovellar becomes an ecotourism zone, all these problems will be properly addressed

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly requested



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

9
HOUSE BILL 625

Introduced by Honorable Fernando V. Gonzalez

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOVELLAR IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBAY
AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. - Department of Tourism Priority Development. The Municipality of
Jovellar in the Province of Albay, famous for its Sigpit/(Quitinday Falls and underground river
and caves, is hereby declared as an eco-cultural tourism zone. As such, it shall be accorded
priority development by the Department of Tourism, hereinafter referred to as the DOT, and
shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist zones.

SEC. 2. - Development Plan. The DOT, in coordination with the local government units
concerned, the Representative of the Third Congressional District of Albay and other concemed
agencies of the government shall, within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, prepare a
development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate
facilities and infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That the said
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and

indigenous nature of the area. Consideration must also be given to the formulation, development

vi


and implementation of programs and strategies that will generate livelihood and employment
opportunities for the local inhabitants of the area

SEC. 3. - Implementation. The DOT shall take immediate steps in implementing the
tourism development plan that will suit the natural characteristics of the area and shall
incorporate the same in its overall development plans and programs for national implementation

SEC. 4 - Promotion of Jovellar. It shall also be the responsibility of the DOT to
promote Jovellar as a tourism area in all its national, regional and local promotion programs

SEC. 5. - Rules and Regulations. The DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 6. - Appropriations. The DOT shall include in the Department(s program the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be charged against the internally
generated funds of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and/or the
appropriations in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. - Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive
orders or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby modified or amended accordingly

SEC. 8. - Effectivity Clause, This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

aN