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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__4717

Introduced by: Representatives Gil “Kabarangay Jr.” A. Acosta, Cyrille
“Beng” F. Abueg-Zaldivar, Franz “Chicoy” E. Alvarez

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill declares the province of Palawan as the Priority Cruise Ship
Destination in MIMAROPA Region with the corresponding government

support.

Section Two (2) of RA 9593 provides that “The State declares 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.”

Palawan is the first destination when it comes to cruise-tourism in
MIMAROPA Region. The cruise ships coming to the Province of Palawan are
top of the line. From January ~ September 2019, thirteen (13) international
cruise ships have visited Palawan.

Palawan is the biggest province in the Philippines and is composed of
1,768 islands and islets. An exotic paradise in South East Asia, Palawan has
been voted the world’s best island. Nothing defines Palawan more than the
water around it. The Philippines” most sparsely populated region is also the


most enticing. Diving, island-hopping and snorkelling trips in this part of the
world manage to captivate both those seeking adventure and those wanting to
relax.

The declaration of the Province of Palawan as the Priority Cruise Ship
Destination in MIMAROPA Region would create a favourable image of the
Philippines within the international community, thereby strengthening the
country’s attraction as a tourism destination and eventually paving the way for
other benefits that may result from a positive global view of the country.

Taking into account the points raised, immediate passage of this bill is
earnestly sought.

FRANZ “ChiSoy77E>ALVAREZ,

Representative
1* District of Palawan
CYRILLE er }UEG-ZALDIVAR GIL “Kabardogay Jr.” A. ACOSTA
Representative Representative

2™ District of Palawan 3" Diktrict of Palawan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo.__4717

Introduced by: Representatives Gil “Kabarangay Jr.” A. Acosta, Cyrille

“Beng” F. Abueg-Zaldivar, Franz “Chicoy” Ivarez

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AS PRIORITY
CRUISE SHIP DESTINATION IN MIMAROPA REGION

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Palawan
Priority Cruise Ship Destination Act.”

SECTION 2. Palawan as Priority Cruise Ship Destination. — It is
hereby declared the policy of the State to promote sustainable tourism industry
throughout the country. The Province of Palawan, one of the major ports for
cruise tourism, is hereby declared a priority cruise ship destination in the
MIMAROPA Region.

As such, it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing
cruise tourism.

SECTION 3.Construction, Installation and Maintenance of Facilities
and Infrastructure. — Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, the
DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, shall cause the
construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
infrastructure as shall enhance cruise tourism in the Province.

SECTION 4. Appropriation. — The Secretary of the DOT shall include
in the Department’s program the’ implementation of this Act, the funding of


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which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and from
internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOT shall
prepare a master plan, to be approved by the President of the Philippines.
Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, it shall likewise
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of
this Act.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall
be held unconstitutional, any other provision not otherwise affected shall remain
in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, rules, and
regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

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

Approved,