Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7145

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UATE: JUL 21
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House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
MANDATING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
TO PRIORITIZE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NECESSARY
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE ACCESSIBILITY OF ALL TOURISM SITES
IN THE COUNTRY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Tourism is an important contributor to the Philippine economy. In
2018, the tourism industries have contributed an estimated 12.7 percent of
the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which is about Php 2.2
trillion.! This sector generates employment, revenues, and plays an
important role in our culture and development. However, many tourist
destinations in the Philippines remain far from the main roads, are
inaccessible, and are often faced with concerns on safety for both tourists
and locals.

This bill seeks to enhance and protect the tourism industry through
the implementation of the Convergence Program for Enhancing Tourism
‘Access in order to ensure the construction of roads and bridges and make
tourists sites more accessible in the country.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly

sought.

ALFRED VARGAS

‘Philippine Statistics Authority. 2019. “Contributions of Tourism to the Philippine Economy is 12.7 percent in
2018." https://psa.gov.ph/content/contribution-tourism-philippine-economy-127-percent-2018 (Accessed 12
July 2020)



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon Gity, Aloteo Avila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7145

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
MANDATING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
TO PRIORITIZE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NECESSARY
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE ACCESSIBILITY OF ALL TOURISM SITES
IN THE COUNTRY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Tourism Sites
Accessibility Act”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - Tourism is a proven income generator
and as such deserves the support of the State. Thus, the implementation of
the Convergence Program for Enhancing Tourism Access of the Department
of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DWPH) shall be prioritized.

SECTION 3. Construction of Accessibility Infrastructures for Tourism.
- The DPWH is hereby mandated to ensure the construction of roads and
bridges leading to all tourism sites in the country.

SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The initial funding requirement for the
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current
appropriations of the Department of Tourism and the Department of Public
Works and Highways. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its
continued implementation shall be included in the agencies’ yearly budgets
under the General Appropriations.


SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the
Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Secretary of the
Department of Public Works and Highways, shall issue the rules and
regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act within sixty
(60) days from its effectivity.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions hereof which are not
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, decrees, rules and
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with

the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,