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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. GE

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias |

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Saud Beach in the Municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos
Norte, as a tourist destination.

When one thinks of Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, one of the tourist spots that
comes to mind of is the Pagudpud Beach, a collective name for all the beaches
situated in Pagudpud, which includes the Saud Beach. The Saud Beach is known
for its two-kilometer fine and creamy white sand which frames the pristine water
of the heart shaped bay. From the shore, one will be greeted with the beautiful
Windmills of Bangui, the clear water of the South China Sea, and the rolling hills
and fertile mountains of llocos Norte. The water bordered by Saud Beach is also
home to different kinds of corals and fish. It is dubbed as the “Boracay of the
Northern Philippines,” however, the Saud Beach is what the Boracay beach used
to look like in its prime and is even less commercialized. Tourists would normally
bring their own food and cook there. Nevertheless, the beach has maintained its
cleanliness given as there are no resto-bars or places that contribute to pollution.

The Saud Beach is one of the crown jewels of the Philippines. In 2008, the
Melbourne Sunday Herald Sun newspaper named the beach as on of the top 10
beaches in Asia, along with other known beaches like the Bentota beach in Sri
Lanka and the Yalong Bay in China, among others.

The Department of Tourism reported that from 2015 to 2018, there has been
an increase number of tourists:


2015 2016 2017 2018
81,063 86,737 146,362_| 208,565

Given the data, it is assumed that more tourists are interested to visit the
place. Thus, itis with the best interest of the government to ensure the sustainability
and preservation of this natural beauty by providing a comprehensive
development pian to ensure that the beach maintains its stature while promoting
it to both local and foreign tourists.

In view of the foregoing, this bill aims to declare the Saud Beach as a tourist
destination, mandating the Department of Tourism and its attached agencies, in
coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways, and in
consultation with the Municipality of Pagudpud, to come up with a development
plan for the beach and its surroundings.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this proposed measure is earnestly
sought for.

RIA CHRISTINA G/FARINAS RG. FARINAS |


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
6353

House Bill No. —**~

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias |

AN ACT
DECLARING THE SAUD BEACH IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PAGUDPUD, PROVINCE OF
ILOCOS NORTE, AS A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. The Saud Beach in the Municipality of Pagudpud, Province of
llocos Norte is hereby declared a tourist destination. As such, its development shall
be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules
and regulations governing the development of tourist destinations.

Sec. 2. Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, the DOT shall, in
coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and
other concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development
plan involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of such
appropriate facilities and infrastructures that enhance tourism in the area:
Provided, That the development plan shall ensure the preservation and
conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further,
That any activities and developments to be carried out in the area must conform

with the concept of ecotourism as provided in the national ecotourism strategy


an

jointly issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the
DoT.

Sec. 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to
implement the tourism development plan tailored to the needs of the Saud
Beach in the Municipality of Pagudpud and shall incorporate the same in its
tourism program for the ensuing calendar year. It shall also include the Saud
Beach in all its national, regional, and local promotion programs.

Sec. 4. The Secretary of Tourism shall include in the DOT's program the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act and from internally generated funds of the DOT.

Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
Tourism shall, in consultation with the Municipality of Pagudpud, promulgate the

necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders, or parts
thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended accordingly.

Sec. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,