Republic of the Philippines om
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ““7,
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3799

Introduced by Representative Alan | B, Ecleo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Since the creation of the Province of Dinagat Islands upon the enactment of Republic Act no.
9355 or An Act Creating the Province of Dinagat Islands, the island province's economy,
tourism and population has since flourished.

The island province is often described as the hidden gem of Caraga Region XIII. Itis blessed
with great biodiversity of both flora and fauna, and is abundant in natural wonders and
resources. The coasts of the entire island and all its surrounding islets provide pristine beaches
and picturesque tourist attractions. Tourist arrivals have also grown significantly over the years.
From 51, 822 tourist arrivals in the first three quarters in 2018, the said number increased by
at least 47.41%, with 76, 389 arrivals for the same period in 2019. The Island Province is also
considered an agricultural asset as at least 36.44% of its total land area is classified as that
suitable for agriculture,

However, the difficulty of traveling to and from the Island Province is the reason why it is still
to this day described as “hidden.” To get to Dinagat Islands, one needs to travel to Surigao
City, and take a ferry boat ride therefrom to San Jose Port. Furthermore, the challenge of
transportation into the Island provide resistance to the introduction of economic and
agricultural advancements. In order for the island’s tourism potential to be fully maximized
and for its economy to progress exponentially, there must be ease of or additional efficient
transportation into the Islands. Air connectivity, after all, is a vital enabler of economic growth.

This need for ease of access is not limited to economic and tourism gains. When Typhoon
Odette (Internationally known as Rai) ravaged the entire province on 16 December 2021, the
lack of transportation to and from the island proved to be a crippling liability. It hampered the
rescue and transfer of patients in need of urgent care from the nearest hospitals in Surigao and
Butuan, as well as the delivery of essential goods like water, food, and materials for shelter.

These recent events, as well as the rate of growth of the Province of Dinagat Islands, show that
there is a pressing need for an airport in the said province. In view thereof, the passage of this
bill is earnestly sought.

AL,
Representative,

B. WCLEO
District of Dinagat Islands



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL d (0. 3799

Introduced by Representative Alan | B. Ecleo

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR
THE ESTABLISHMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF
AN AIRPORT IN THE PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS
AND APPROPRIATING THE FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Creation ~ There shall be established and constructed an airport in the Province
of Dinagat Islands.

SEC. 2. Study, Implementation ~ The Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP), under supervision and in coordination with the Secretary of
Transportation, shall conduct the necessary studies to determine the appropriate location of the
said airport in any of the local government units of the Province of Dinagat Islands, and include
the same in the CAAP Master Plan for the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 3. Appropriation ~ The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be
appropriated in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 4. Separability Clause — If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or provision that is not otherwise affected shall
remain valid and subsisting.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause ~ All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations, memoranda or
circulars inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official
Gazette or in any two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,