NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
of tllf # rrftnvp
23 FEB “8 P5:20
RtCEIVEOEV
SENATE
S.B. No.
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE A TOURISM ZONE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 2, Chapter I of Republic Act No. 9593 or The Tourism Act of 2009, 
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."
In terms of tourism potential, the Province of Southern Leyte has a lot to exhibit, 
sell, develop, and enhance. It is home of the tallest bridge in the Philippines, zip lines, 
wall/column, cable car/lift experiences, as well as world-class dive sites, caves, extreme 
adventure sites, waterfalls, safaris, river trekking, crater lake trekking, fish feeding, rain 
forest tramping, scuba diving and whale shark interaction, island escapades, beach fun, 
and religious journeys. The beautiful tourist destinations such as Taglinao Falls, Bird 
Sanctuary and Mangrove Site, Crater Lake, Fatima Hills, and Guinsaugon are also 
situated in the province of Southern Leyte. The historical Limasawa, site of the first 
Christian Mass and considered the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines is also 
located in Southern Leyte. However, economic development has stalled due to lack of 
infrastructure; the province's road networks should be upgraded.


This bill therefor seeks to declare the Province of Southern Leyte as a Tourism 
Zone to prioritize further development of the province for tourism. This will not just 
increase the number of tourists visiting the province, but will also provide livelihood to 
its constituents.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is respectfully
sought.
yif^EE R. MARCOS


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1 A f) 4
23 FEB-8 P5:20
Rl-CEiVtDBV;
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE A TOURISM ZONE
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. The Province of Southern Leyte is hereby declared a tourism zone.
2 
Pursuant thereto, its development as a viable host for the visitor economy shall be
3 
prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules
4 
and regulations governing the development of tourism zones.
5 
SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the provincial
6 
government of Southern Leyte shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of
7 
Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and
8 
concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan providing
9 
for the development, maintenance, improvement and restoration of tourism sites,
10 
where appropriate, in conformity with set standards, including the construction of
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hotels, resorts, restaurants, recreational facilities and other appropriate facilities and
12 
infrastructure to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan
13 
shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of the area:
14 
Provided, further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be
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included in the budget of the provincial government of Southern Leyte.
16 
SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the provincial government of Southern Leyte in the
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implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in
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tourism capacity building. It shall also include the Province of Southern Leyte in its
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national and regional promotion programs.


1 
SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the
2 
annual budget of the provincial government of Southern Leyte. The DOT may augment
3 
such allocation with internally-generated funds.
4 
SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the provincial
5 
government of Southern Leyte shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned
6 
agencies of the government, promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.
7 
SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, proclamations, presidential
8 
decrees and other issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are
9 
hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.
10 
SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
11 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,