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Republic of the Philippines fi
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES >

Constitution Hills, Quezon City

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NINETEENTH CONGRESS \Y%
First Regular Session

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Introduced by Representative VINCENT FRANCO D. FRASCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Santiago Public Beach in the Municipality of San Francisco,
Province of Cebu, as a tourist destination of the Philippines.

Section 1, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the goals of the
national economy are a more equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth; a
sustained increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of
the people; and an expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially
the underprivileged.

Furthermore, Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 declared tourism as an
indispensable element of the national economy that shall spur socio-economic growth, investment
and employment in the country.

San Francisco is a third class municipality in the province of Cebu. According to the 2020
Philippine National Census, it has a population of 59,236 people. It is one of the municipalities
that comprise the Camotes Islands. It is composed of 15 barangays, including Santiago. The waters
surrounding the islands support a very rich and diverse fishery resource, which includes tilapia,
carp, milkfish, and catfish, among others. Many of the local residents depend on fishing as a
resource for their subsistence and livelihood. This is the second half of farming among locals,

‘Tourism is another major source of income, especially among hotels, resorts and tourism
business entities. Camotes can provide tourists and visitors a refreshing and relaxing environment
for those who seek silence and solitude.

Santiago Bay is located in the southwestern part of the island. The wide and deep white
sand beach is situated directly in front of the town of Santiago. This beach is owned by the local
government and is a favorite rendezvous for locals and visitors. With the fishing communities
within the area, it can boost tourism and can provide opportunities to the fisherfolk.



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In this light, the Bill was filed which declares the Santiago Public Beach as a tourism
destination/tourist spot in the Fifth District of the Province of Cebu. The declaration of this beach
as a tourism destination will bring in the surge of tourists in the area, whether foreign or domestic,
and will bring in significant economic gains in the province.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this Bill is earnestly requested.

VINCENT FRANCO D. FRASCO


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS.

First Regular Session

106

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Vincent Franco D. Frasco

AN ACT
DECLARING SANTIAGO PUBLIC BEACH IN THE CAMOTES ISLANDS,
MUNICIPALITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, PROVINCE OF CEBU, AS A TOURIST
DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATIN
FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section I. The Santiago Public Beach located in Barangay Santiago, Municipality of San
Francisco, Fifth District of the Province of Cebu, is hereby declared as tourist destination.

As such, the development of this tourist spot shall be prioritized by the Department of
Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist
destinations.

Section 2. Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with
the concerned local government units and agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism
development plan involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate
facilities 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 jointly issued by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources and the DOT.

Section 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to implement the
tourism development plan that suits the natural characteristics of the Santiago Public Beach and
shall incorporate the same in its tourism development and program for the ensuing calendar year.
It shall also include the Santiago Public Beach in all its national, regional, and local promotion
programs.


Section 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.

Section 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Tourism,
in consultation with the Municipality of San Francisco, shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

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

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

Approved,