Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

, 4254

vw

HOUSE BILL N

Introduced by HON. BAMBI B. EMANO

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL A
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA (TDA)

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Province of Misamis Oriental is endowed with a rich cultural and historical legacy and has the
potential to rank among the top tourism attractions in the nation. Increasing tourism not only brings in more
money for the local economies, but it also encourages the preservation and protection of historical sites and
other natural beauties while showcasing local customs and culture.

‘The province has chosen tourism as one of its priority projects due to its distinctive blend of varied
attractions, from heritage sites to beaches, from adventure sports to eco-tourism, and emerging tourism
fronts including agricultural tourism and ethnic-tribal tourism. The Province of Misamis Oriental
understands that an increase in tourism ultimately leads to a boom in local trade and industry, particularly
for small to medium-sized businesses.

This bill seeks to declare the Province of Misamis Oriental as a Tourism Development Area (TDA)
in accordance with Republic Act No. 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of 2009. The aforementioned
law encourages the development of an equitable, accountable, participatory, culturally aware, and
economically viable local tourism business. We are adamant that the Province of Misamis Oriental can
develop into a world-class tourism hub that will power and propel the economy of not only the province
but of the entire nation as well. A measure designating the Province of Misamis Oriental as a Tourism
Development Area was submitted in the 17th Congress. We are resubmitting this bill in the 19th Congress
in an effort to persuade the lower and upper houses to enact this into a law.

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

2nd District, Méstimis Oriental



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

ae No, 4294

“HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. BAMBI B. EMANO

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL A
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA (TDA)

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, 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 development areas.

SECTION 2. The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority 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 and other appropriate facilities and infrastructure:
Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and
natural beauty of the areas concerned.

SECTION 3. The DPWH, in coordination with the DOT, shall implement the construction
and/or improvement of roads and other infrastructure necessary in the development of the Province
of Misamis Oriental upon the promulgation of this Act and incorporate the same in its
infrastructure.

SECTION 4. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development plan and
incorporate the same in the Department's overall tourism development program for the ensuing
year.

SECTION 5. The Secretary of the DOT and the Secretary of the DPWH shall include in their
respective Department's programs 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
por.


SECTION 6. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT shall likewise
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 7. All laws, presidential decree, 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 publication in the Official

Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,