HOUSE OF RE
RECEIVED
Republic of the Philippine:

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DATE: 28 Bl 2016
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2126

RECISTR:
BILLS AND iu!

X SERVICE

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by REP. JULIETTE T. UY

EXPLANATORY NOTE
‘This measure is a re-filed version of House Bill 1464 that was approved by the House on August
26, 2014 and transmitted to, and received by the Senate on September 1, 2014.

It is the declared policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is economically viable,
ecologically sustainable, culturally-sensitive, and equitable for local communities.

‘Thus, it is our shared responsibility to promote and develop tourism as a major socio-economic
activity to generate income, to create employment and livelihood opportunities, and to spread
the benefits of tourism nationally and locally.

Misamis Oriental offers various tourism potentials for seasoned travellers looking for the
opportunities aside from the usual tourist attractions as advertised in various modes and media.

With its many nature parks, coastal areas and a multicultural population, it is the most
convenient starting point towards the many attractions that the Northern Mindanao Region has
to offer.

But the tourism infrastructure, including road networks, accommodations and related projects
are yet disparate and lacking in some areas in the province.

Hence the need for a specific coherent policy that shall guide the formulation of sound tourism
plans and codes at the local level is needed for the province, districts, cities and municipalities.

This bill mandates that Misamis Oriental shall be accorded priority development by the
Department of Tourism (DOT) subject to the rules and regulations governing tourism
development areas.

‘The Tourism Development Plan of Misamis Oriental shall be also incorporated in the DOT’s
overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).

‘The private sector will also be further encouraged to invest in tourism-related endeavours such
as resorts, restaurants, transportation, tours and travel offices and the like if tourism efforts will



be guided by a national law that will gear aggressive tourism advancement that shall help spur
local economic development in Misamis Oriental.

‘This advancement will also bring about an improved peace and order situation brought about by
a constituency that is gainfully employed in thriving tourism businesses.

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

Approved,

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

21e8
HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by REP. JULIETTE T. UY

AN ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL A TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT AREA, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1, The Province of Misamis Oriental is hereby declared a tourism development area.

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

SECTION 2. The Province of Misamis Oriental is rich with small island ecosystems, waterfalls,
beaches, rivers, sea and mountain resources; historical and natural landmarks; indigenous
communities; and other areas full of potentials for the ecotourism industry.

SECTION 3. The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA) and other concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare the necessary
tourism spot development plan, providing for their development and maintenance, including
improvement and restoration of sites, where appropriate, in conformity with set forth standards,
construction of hotels, resorts, restaurants, recreational facilities 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.

SECTION 4. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with
the DOT, shall set forth in place the necessary construction and/or improvement of roads and
other infrastructure upon the promulgation of this Act and incorporate it in its infrastructure
program.

SECTION 5. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development plan and
incorporate it in the Department's overall tourism development program for the ensuing year.
‘The DOY shall likewise promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. The Secretary of the DOT and the Secretary of the DPWH shall include in their
respective Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be

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included in the annual General Appropriations Act and/or charged against the internally
generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 7. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or parts
thereof which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act shall be deemed repealed or

modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

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