Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._7467

Introduced by Honorable Cristina “Chiqui” Roa-Puno

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines has become a world-renowned, premier tourist destination.
Through the combined efforts of the public and private sector, our tourism industry
has surged in the recent years, contributing 8.6% of the country’s economy. The
tourism direct gross value added amounted to PhP 1,243.5 billion i in 2016, higher
by 13.7 percent compared to previous year’s PhP 1,093.4 billion.’ Employment in
tourism characteristic industries was estimated at 5.2 million, while share of
employment in tourism industries to total employment in the country was recorded
at 12.8 percent in 2016.

Despite its considerable growth, the Philippine tourism sector still has a
wealth of untapped potential residing in the lesser-known tourist sites, particularly
the hidden gem that is the Province of Rizal.

The Province of Rizal has the capacity to rival the top Philippine
destinations as it boasts of awe-inspiring sights ranging from natural landscapes to
historical and cultural attractions. Situated only a few hours away from Manila, the
province is readily accessible to both foreign and local tourists.

In Antipolo City alone, we can find tourists attractions such as the
Hinulugang Taktak Protected Landscape, a waterfall area recognized by the

* Contribution of Tourism to the Economy is 8.6 Percent in 2016, Philippine Statistics Authority, 08 June 2017,
httos://psa.gov.oh/tourism-satellite-accounts-press-releases, last access 07 March 2018
id


Department of Environment and Natural Resources as a National Park and
declared as a National Historical Shrine under Republic Act No. 6964. In the heart
of the city can also be found the Antipolo Cathedral, the first dome-type church in
the Philippines, which is also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace
and Good Voyage.

Being a mountainous province, Rizal features many natural wonders,
including the Daranak Falls, Palo Alto Falls, Kay Ibon Falls, Masungi Geo-
Reserve, Cardona Rock Garden, Daraitan River, Sangab Cave, and Calinawan
Cave. The province has become one of the favorite trekking sites of mountaineers
as they are greeted not only by lush forests but also with splendid views of Laguna
de Bay and magnificent waterfalls.

Named after our National Hero, the Province of Rizal is rich in history and
culture. It is home to the Binangonan/Angono Petroglyphs — artworks believed to
be the oldest in the Philippines. Dating to the third millennium B.C., they are a
collection of 127 carvings of animals and human figures immortalized on the wall
of a cave. The province’s Paminitinan and Binacayan mountains have also been
surrounded by folklore as they are said to have been separated by the mythical folk
hero Bernardo Carpio through his brute force. Apart from its fabled past, Rizal
likewise holds historical significance as its Pamintinan Cave, declared as a
National Geological Monument, is where Andres Bonifacio and other katipuneros
made their pilgrimage and covenant for freedom and has been. The province is also
known for grottos, contemplation areas, and prayer gardens flocked by pilgrims
and devotees especially during Lenten Season.

Other interesting tourist sites in Rizal are the Avilon Montalban Zoo, Pililia
Wind Farm, various art galleries and museums, adventure parks, and agricultural
farms.

This bill seeks to declare the Province of Rizal as a tourism development
area in accordance with Republic Act No. 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of
2009. The said law promotes a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable,
responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable
for local communities.


With this legislation, provision for the proper mechanisms and infrastructure
for sustainable tourism development in the province will be established. Certain
areas and sites identified as tourist destinations shall be promoted and developed,
keeping in mind the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of
the province. Rizal will progress to become a first-class tourism area that will drive
and propel the economy not only of the province, but of the country as a whole.

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

Pern ROA-PUNO


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7467

Introduced by Honorable Cristina “Chiqui” Roa-Puno

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF RIZAL A TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT AREA AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SEC. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as “Rizal Tourism
Development Act.”

SEC. 2. 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
promote and develop certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or
attractions or having potential for tourism in order to drive and propel inclusive
growth throughout the country.

SEC. 3. Province of Rizal as Tourism Development Area. - The
Province of Rizal is hereby declared a tourism development area. As such, its
development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and shall be subject to
the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism zones.

SEC. 4. Tourism Development Plan. - The DOT, in coordination with
the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other
concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism development
plan providing for the development, maintenance, improvement and restoration
of tourist sites, where appropriate, in conformity with set forth standards,
including the construction of hotels, resorts, restaurants, recreational facilities

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and other appropriate facilities and infrastructure: Provided, that the said
development plan shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and
natural beauty of the area/s concerned. The DOT shall incorporate the tourism
development plan to the overall National Tourism Development Plan pursuant
to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009”.

The concemed local government unit, in coordination with DOT, TIEZA,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other
concerned agencies of the Government, shall delineate well defined geographic
areas within the tourism development area and coordinate the integrated
development of these areas for the optimum use of natural assets and
attractions, as well as existing facilities.

The Tourism Development Plan shall be jointly implemented by the local
government units concerned and the Provincial Tourism Council of Rizal.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in
coordination with the DOT, shall implement the construction of roads and other
infrastructures necessary in the development of the Province of Rizal upon the
promulgation of this Act and incorporate the same in its infrastructure program.

SEC. 5. Rizal Tourism Council. — (a) There is hereby organized the
Rizal Tourism Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall be the
primary policy-making, planning and coordinating body in the development of
tourism in the Province of Rizal and administration of ecotourism sites therein.
The Council, which shall convene upon the effectivity of this Act, shall be
composed of:

(1) The Provincial Governor of Rizal, as Chairperson;

(2) The mayors of all the municipalities and cities of Rizal, who shall
elect from among themselves the Council's Vice Chairperson;

(3) A member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Rizal, duly designated
by such body; and

(4) Two (2) representatives from the private sector, nominated by the
private sector tourism industry organizations in Rizal and appointed by the
Chairperson of the Council, who shall serve for a period of two (2) years.

The Council may create such committees and provide for the functions
and the memberships thereof to assist it in the proper and effective performance
of its functions.


(b) In order to provide assistance and support to the Council in the
performance of its functions, the following shall serve as advisors:

(1) The Chief Operating Officer of the TIEZA;

(2) The Regional Director of the DOT for Region IVA;

(3) The Regional Director of the DENR for Region IVA;

(4) The Regional Director of the DPWH for Region IVA; and

(5) The Regional Director of the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) for Region IVA.

The Council may call on other government agencies and offices to
provide advice and assistance on matters relating to the performance of its
functions and the development of tourism in Rizal.

(c) The Council shall ensure that constituencies, sectors and groups,
whose interests may be affected by the tourism development in Rizal, are given
sufficient opportunities to he heard. The Council shall pursue consultations with
relevant sectors and constituencies, conduct research, and engage the services
and assistance of experts and other resource persons, as may be needed in the
performance of its functions.

(d) The Provincial Government of Rizal shall provide a Secretariat for the
Council, including the necessary expenses for the performance of its official
functions and activities.

(e) The functions of the Council shall be harmonized with the functions
and responsibilities of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the
protected area superintendents and the regional ecotourism committee to avoid
any overlap or conflict.

SEC. 6. Rizal Tourism Development Fund — There is hereby
established a trust fund under this Act to be known as the Rizal Tourism
Development Trust Fund for purposes of financing projects which shall enhance
tourism in the Province of Rizal. The trust fund shall be administered by a trust
fund administrator under the Provincial Tourism Office of the Province of
Rizal. Funds shall be derived from fees collected from visitors/tourists, other
resources from the Province, proceeds from the registration and lease of
multiple-use areas, including tourism concessions, fees, proceeds and
contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting the Province.

The fund may be augmented by grants and donations, endowments from
various sources, domestic or foreign entities and individuals, for purposes
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related to their functions. Provided, that disbursements therefrom shall be in
accordance with existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
Provided, further, that the fund shall not be used to cover personnel services
expenditures.

SEC. 7. Appropriations - The Secretary of the DOT and the Secretary
of DPWH shall include in their respective Department’s program the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the
General Appropriations Act and from internally generated funds of the DOT.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations - Within sixty (60) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the local
government units of the Province of Rizal, shall likewise promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause - If any provision or part of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause - All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof, which are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed repealed or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.