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Republic of the Philippines VE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATE “R ec EN D 22 A
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NINETEENTH CONGRESS = 1a

First Regular Session \*

104 \%

HOUSE BILL NO." *

Introduced by Representative VINCENT FRANCO “DUKE” D. FRASCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park in the Municipality of
Carmen, Province of Cebu, a tourist destination of the Philippines.

This measure is similar to House Bill No. 7848, which was previously filed from the 18"
‘Congress and was approved on third and final reading on August 03, 2021. It was transmitted to
the Senate on August 04, 2021. However, it only reached the Senate Committee on Tourism due
to lack of material time,

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.

‘The Municipality of Carmen is a 3 income class municipality located in the Fifth District
of the Province of Cebu. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 57,897 people. It is
bordered on the North by the town of Catmon, to the West by the town of Tuburan, on the East by
the Camotes Sea, and on the South by the City of Danao. Carmen is comprised of 21 barangays,
and the main industries in the municipality are mango farming, manufacturing, home décor &
furniture, and sinamay (an abaca product).

The Municipality of Carmen is popularly known as the home of the largest safari in the
Philippines, the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park.

The Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is a 170-hectare development with some 1,200
animals imported from Spain, Australia, US, Africa, and other parts of the world. Founded in 2018,

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the Park also caters to adventure seekers with its very own Adventure Park which features one of
the longest and highest Ziplines in the country at 1.3 kms. long and 671 m. above sea level.

‘The Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is also home to a zoological and botanical complex
that is the only one of its kind in the Philippines. It is becoming one of the emerging tourist
destinations in the northern Cebu because of its diverse attractions, such as Aftican Savanna,
Michelle’s Garden, Gardens of the World, and the White Lion Safari.

Recognizing its enormous potential to contribute to the country’s roster of tourism
destinations as a phenomenally well-developed attraction in Southeast Asia, this Bill is filed to
declare officially as a tourism destination the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park located in the
Municipality of Carmen in the Fifth District of the Province of Cebu.

Developing the said Safari will generate investment and foreign exchange in the area and
will also provide employment opportunities for local residents. With the influx of tourists, these
tourist spots will also be a significant source of business opportunities that can support local
entrepreneurship and livelihood in Cebu.

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

a

VINCENT FRANCO D. FRASCO


Nowsune

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 104

Introduced by Rep. Vincent Franco D. Frasco

AN ACT
DECLARING THE CEBU SAFARI AND ADVENTURE PARK IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF CARMEN, PROVINCE OF CEBU, AS A TOURIST SPOT AND.
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. The Cebu Safari and Adventure Park located in the Municipality of Carmen,
Fifih District of the Province of Cebu, is hereby declared as a tourist spot. This is located in
Barangay Corte in the Municipality of Carmen

As such, the development of this tourist spot as well as the access roads leading thereto
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 concemed local government units and agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism
development plan containing, among others, the construction, installation and maintenance of such
appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall encourage tourism in the area

Section 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development plan and
incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year.

Section 4. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in its Department’s program the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act from internally generated funds of the DOT.

Section 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,