NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SEN
S.B. No. ms
Jennie
of til? ^fcvitar?
23 MAR-7 P2:16
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
IDENTIFYING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE PROVINCE OF 
ISABELA, MANDATING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, CREATING 
THE ISABELA TOURISM COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Being labelled and described as the "Melting Pot of the North" and the "Rice 
and Corn Granary of Luzon," Isabela has consistently emerged and figured 
prominently from the late 20th century to the turn of the millennium to become a 
premier province of the Philippines as it is currently being recognized as the trade and 
industrial center of Northeastern Luzon.
Covering a total land area of 10,665 square kilometres which comprises about 
40% of the regional territory, Isabela boasts of its size as the largest province in the 
region and the second largest province in the Philippines. At present, Isabela houses 
1,593,566 residents who are acknowledged for their tenacity and diligence.
The tourism industry, which focuses on the delivery of both products and 
services, has the potential to generate and have significant positive effects on the 
socioeconomic. It could aid in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 
notably those that deal with eradicating poverty, protecting the environment, and 
creating jobs for women, indigenous groups, and young people. Also, tourism might 
generate income for the government in the form of taxes and foreign exchange gains, 
and because of its multiplier impact, it could open doors for regional economic growth.
Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the "Tourism Act of 2009" provides 
that the State shall declare 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.
The State must recognize tourism development as integral to the national 
socioeconomic development efforts to improve the quality of life of the Filipino people, 
providing the appropriate attention and support for the growth of this industry.


Isabela has a seemingly immense potential to be a viable tourism destination 
for it serves as a home to several attractions such as the country's oldest churches 
and sites ranging from the highest mountains to the deepest waters. An example of 
which is the highest and biggest dam in Asia at the time of its construction, the Magat 
High Rise Dam and Tourism Complex, located in the largest tributary of Cagayan River. 
Isabela also takes pride of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park which is the largest 
protected area in the country ranked first in the world's biodiversity. There, we can 
also find Aguinaldo Shrine, Parish Church of St. Mathias in Tumauini declared as a 
National Cultural Treasure, Palanan Rainforest which is the Philippines' largest low 
altitude rainforest with numerous unknown endemic species of flora and fauna and 
exceptional biological diversity, Mororan River, Sinavulluan Caves, among others.
The ultimate purpose of this bill is to encourage the local government units, 
with unified goals intertwined with the efforts made by the national government, to 
promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, 
culturally sensitive, economically viable, and ethically and socially equitable for local 
communities as they formulate tourism policies, plans, and projects for the 
development of tourism. In turn, the local residents of Isabela must then develop a 
strong sense of ownership of tourism resources in their area as the local government 
constructs models and strategies geared to help design options appropriate to specific 
situations or circumstances.
The province of Isabela will have the opportunity to maximize all of its potential 
as a growing tourist destination with the help of the Department of Tourism.
In view of aforementioned considerations, the passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.
EE R. MARCOS
QuickStat 1Quickstat Isabela https://psa.gov.ph/content/isabela-quickstat-june-2018.
Javier, A. and Elazigue, D. (2011). Opportunities and Challenges in Tourism Development Roles of 
Local' Government Units in the Philippines. Accessed on 7 March 2023 through
https://w\ww2.gsid.nagoya-u.ac.jp/blog/anda/files/2011/08/5-rolesjaviere38080.pdf.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE„
S.B. No. labo
llll
of tij? .feu'vrt.nrn
23 mar-7 P2:16
RiXci'/CD B'if:
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
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AN ACT
IDENTIFYING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE PROVINCE OF 
ISABELA, MANDATING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, 
CREATING THE ISABELA TOURISM COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
Chapter 1
Preliminary Provisions
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, 
participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for local 
communities. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper 
mechanisms and infrastructure for sustainable tourism development. It shall 
develop and promote certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or 
attractions in order to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country.
Pursuant thereto, all areas within the Province of Isabela endowed with 
natural beauty or historical and cultural significance, with either existing or potential 
integrated leisure facilities developed for one or more tourism purpose, shall be 
considered tourism development areas.
SEC. 2. Identification and Declaration of Tourism Sites. - Areas in the 
Province of Isabela that have potential for tourism shall be declared as ecotourism, 
cultural heritage tourism, health and wellness tourism, general leisure tourism, or 
mixed use tourism sites after consultation with the Department of Tourism (DOT): 
Provided, that areas in environmentally protected areas shall not be declared 
tourism sites without consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR).


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The survey and verification of the areas shall be conducted by the National 
Mapping and Resource Information Authority, in coordination with the Provincial 
Government of Isabela.
SEC. 3. Isabela Tourism Council. - There is hereby created the Isabela 
Tourism Council, hereinafter referred to as Council, which shall be the primary 
policy-making, planning and coordinating body in the development of tourism in 
the Province of Isabela and the administration of tourism sites therein. It shall be 
composed of the following members:
(a) 
Provincial Governor of Isabela, as Chairperson;
(b) 
Municipal Mayors of all the municipalities and cities of the Province of 
Isabela, who shall elect from among themselves the Council's Vice 
Chairperson;
(c) 
Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Isabela, duly designated 
by such body; and
(d) 
Two (2) representatives from the private sector, appointed by the 
Chairperson of the Council, who shall serve for a period of two (2) years.
The Provincial Government of Isabela shall provide a Secretariat for the 
Council including the funding necessary to cover expenses for the 
performance of its official functions and activities.
SEC. 4. Functions of the Council. - The Council shall have the following 
functions:
Identify and declare areas as tourism sites;
Formulate programs and recommendations and manage local 
resources and funds to develop local tourism facilities and attractions; 
Assist in the regulation and supervision of tourism-oriented 
establishments, thereby ensuring wholesome and clean tourism 
activities;
Assist in monitoring the implementation of the Local Government 
Code on the licensing of tourism establishments in the locality to 
ascertain safe and enjoyable stay of travellers;
Strictly enforce health and sanitary standards in public restrooms 
frequented by public utility vehicles and tourist transport services, i.e., 
gasoline stations and restaurants along main highways and bus stops; 
and
Perform any other duties in accordance with the guidelines issued by 
the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
(a)
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SEC. 5. Isabela Tourism Development Plan.-The DOT shall, in coordination 
with the Council and concerned local government units (LGUs) and agencies of the 
government, prepare a tourism development plan for the province of Isabela and


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incorporate the same in its overall tourism development plan pursuant to Republic 
Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the "Tourism Act of 2009." The development 
plan shall be jointly implemented with the concerned LGUs and the Council.
The concerned LGUs shall, in coordination with the DOT, DENR, the Tourism 
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the 
government, delineate well defined geographic areas within the tourism sites and 
coordinate the integrated development of these sites for the optimal use of natural 
assets and attractions, as well as of existing facilities: Provided, that said 
development plan shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and 
natural beauty of the areas.
Upon the promulgation of this Act, the Department of Public Works and 
Highways (DPWH) shall, in coordination with the DOT and the Council, implement 
the construction and improvement of roads and other infrastructure necessary in 
the development of tourism sites and shall incorporate the same in its infrastructure 
program.
SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The Secretaries of DOT, DPWH, DENR, and the 
Department of Transportation (DOTr) shall include in their respective Department's 
program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in 
the annual General Appropriations Act and shall augment such allocation with 
internally generated funds of the DOT.
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the Council shall, in consultation with the DOT, DENR, 
DPWH, DOTr, the National Economic and Development Authority and other 
concerned government agencies and stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules 
and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.
SEC. 8. Separability Cause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of 
this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions which are 
not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, proclamation, charter, 
rule or regulation and/or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.
SEC. 10. Effectivity Cause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation.
Approved,