Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7388

Introduced by
Representatives ALYSSA SHEENA TAN and ED CHRISTOPHER S. GO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The province of Isabela was named in honor of “Her Royal Highness
Queen Isabela II” of Spain.1 Isabela is the second largest province of the
Philippines and the largest in Luzon in terms of land area. Also, the province
is known as the “Rice and Corn Granary of Luzon,” and is considered the
trade and industrial center of Northeastern Luzon. However, a lot of work
still needs to be done to develop accessibility to eco-tourism sites in the whole
province.

Occupying the central section of the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon,
Isabela is bordered by Cagayan to the north, Kalinga to the northwest,
Mountain Province to the central-west, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya to the
southwest, and Quirino and Aurora to the south. To the east lies the
Philippine Sea, making the province one of the most typhoon-prone provinces
in the country.

Isabela is home to Magat High Rise Dam and Tourism Complex
known to be the highest and biggest dam in Asia at the time of its
construction. The province of Isabela comprises an aggregate land area of
10,665 square kilometers, representing almost 40 percent of the regional
territory.2

Tourism is an important sector for Philippine economy. The tourism
industry around the globe is expanding rapidly and the trends are extremely
changing. The tourism industry has a potential to stimulate the economy and
accelerate the growth of the local communities. Both local and international,


tourism plays a vital role in generating employment opportunities and result
in revenue generation for the tourist destinations.

This bill seeks to declare identify various Tourism Development Areas
in the Province of Isabela and the creation of Isabela Tourism Council. This
will pave the way for the formulation of a Tourism Development Plan for the
Province and its incorporation into the Department of Tourism’s National
Tourism Development Plan and the development of support facilities and
infrastructure that will greatly enhance the Province’s tourism sector, boost
the provincial economy and improve the quality of life of its residents.

With the assistance of the Department of Tourism, the province of
Isabela will be given a chance to achieve its maximum potential as an
attractive and viable tourism destination.

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

ATTY. ALYSSA SHEENA TAN REP. ED CHRISTOPHER S. GO
4tn District of Isabela 2nd District of Isabela


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. esas

Introduced by
Representatives ALYSSA SHEENA TAN and ED CHRISTOPHER S. GO

AN ACT
IDENTIFYING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE PROVINCE
OF ISABELA, ORGANIZING THE ISABELA TOURISM COUNCIL AND.
MANDATING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE
PROVINCE OF ISABELA, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared that it is the policy of
the State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable,
responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and
equitable for local communities. It shall promote and develop certain areas
and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having potential
for tourism in order to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the

country.

SECTION 2. Scope and Coverage. The Tourism Development Area of the
Province of Isabela shall include all areas within the province endowed with
environmental beauty or historical and cultural significance, with either
existing or potential integrated leisure facilities developed for one or more
tourism purposes, including cultural heritage tourism, health and wellness
tourism, eco-tourism, and general leisure tourism.

SECTION 3. Identification and Declaration of Ecotourism Sites. Areas in the
Province of Isabela that have potential for tourism shall be declared as eco-
tourism, cultural heritage tourism, health and wellness tourism, general
leisure tourism, or mixed use tourism sites after consultation with the
Department of Tourism; Provided, that areas in environmentally protected


areas shall not be declared without additional consultation with the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The survey of the areas and their verification shall be conducted by the
National Mapping and Resource Information Authority in coordination with
the Provincial Government of Isabela, and their declaration as tourism sites
will be by the Isabela Tourism Council.

SECTION 4, Isabela Tourism Council. There is hereby created the Isabela
Tourism Council, hereinafter referred to as “the Council,” which shall be the
primary policy-making, planning, and coordinating body in the development
of tourism in Isabela and administration of ecotourism sites therein. The
Council shall be composed of:

a) The Provincial Governor of Isabela, as Chairperson;

b) The municipal mayors of all the municipalities and cities of Isabela,
who shall elect from among themselves a Vice Chairperson;

<) A member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Isabela, duly
designated by such body; and

d) Two representatives from the private sector, appointed by the
Chairperson of the Council, who shall serve for a period of two years.

SECTION 5. Functions of the Council. The Council shall have the following
functions:

a) Formulate programs and recommendations to develop local tourism
facilities and attractions tapping local resources and funds;

b) Assist in the regulation and supervision of tourism-oriented

establishments thereby ensuring wholesome and clean tourism

activities;

Assist in monitoring the implementation of the Local Government

Code on the matter of licensing of tourism establishments in the

locality to ascertain safe and enjoyable stay of travelers;

Strictly enforce health and sanitary standards in public restrooms

frequented by public utility vehicles and tourist transport services, i.e.

gasoline stations and restaurants along main highways and bus stops;

and

©) Any other duties in accordance with the Department of Interior and
Local Government's Guidelines.

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SECTION 6. Tourism Development Plan of Isabela. The Tourism
Development Plan of the Province of Isabela shall be incorporated in the
Department of Tourism’s overall National Tourism Development Plan
pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the “National
Tourism Act of 2009,” and shall be jointly implemented with the local
government units concerned and the Isabela Tourism Council


The concerned local government unit, in coordination with the
Department of Tourism, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other
concerned agencies of the government, shall delineate well defined
geographic areas within the tourism sites and coordinate the integrated
development of these sites for the optimal use of natural assets and
attractions, as well as existing facilities; Provided, that said development plan
shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of
the area.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, in coordination with
the Department of Tourism and the Isabela Tourism Council, shall set in place
the necessary construction and improvement of roads and other
infrastructure upon the promulgation of this Act and incorporate the same in
its infrastructure program.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Isabela Tourism
Council, after due consultation with the Department of Tourism, Department
of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Public Works and
Highways, the Department of Transportation, the National Economic and
Development Authority, together with other stakeholders, shall promulgate
the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act within
sixty days after its effectivity.

SECTION 8. Appropriations. The Department of Tourism, Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Public Works and
Highways, the Department of Transportation, and the local government units
shall include in its Annual Investment Programs the implementation of this
Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, and issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other
issuances contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be
deemed amended accordingly.

SECTION 10. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full
force and effect

SECTION 11. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,