Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 1464

Introduced by HON. JULIETTE T. UY

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is the declared policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is economically
viable, ecologically sustainable, participative, 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.

‘The province of 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 shall mandate that Misamis Oriental shall be accorded priority development by
the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations
governing tourism zones.

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

‘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 spur local and national 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.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 1464

Introduced by HON. JULIETTE T. UY

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

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

SECTION 1, The Province of Misamis Oriental is hereby declared a tourism zone. 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
incoxporate 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 DOT 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 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,

ye |

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