Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill Not 983

Introduced by Honorable FREDERICK W. SIAO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is the declared policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is economically viable,
ecologically sustainable, culturally sensitive, and equitable for local communities.

Hence, itis 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.

Dubbed as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls,” Iligan City offers a variety of tourist destinations
for travelers looking for the “off the beaten track” or unusual tourist attractions that is scarcely offered
currently in the market.

With its many magnificent waterfalls like the Maria Cristina, Limunsudan and Tinago Falls to
name a few, a dozen natural springs in Timoga - Buru-un, forested mountain of Mt. Agad-Agad, pristine
forests of Rogongon and Digkilaan. With coastal areas ready to be tapped for development, an educated
population and low crime rate, Iligan City is also an ideal gateway to usher in local and foreign tourists
to the many splendid attractions that Northern Mindanao has to offer.

The private sector will also be encouraged to participate and invest in tourism-related commercial
activities such as the building or establishment of hotel resorts and accommodations, recreational and
wellness facilities, restaurants, transportation services, travel and tours offices, souvenir shops and other
tourism-related industry that shall provide local employment opportunities and spur economic
development in Iligan City.

However, the essential tourism infrastructures, including road networks and bridges going to and
from the various tourist destinations are still lacking in the city.

Thus, this bill seeks to mandate the Department of Tourism (DOT) to include Iligan City in the
DOT's overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP). With the help of the Department of
Tourism and other national government agencies, Iligan City will be given the opportunity to achieve its
potential as one of the top tourist destinations of the country.

This bill, which was originally filed in the 17" Congress as House Bill No. 5720, was substituted
by House Bill No. 8510 under Committee Report No. 916. It was passed by the House on Third and
Final Reading on November 28, 2018 and was transmitted to the Senate on November 29, 2018, where
it was pending upon adjournment of the 17" Congress.

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

Lone District offligan City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

. 1989
House Bill No."

Introduced by Honorable FREDERICK W. SIAO

AN ACT DECLARING ILIGAN CITY AS A TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. The City of Iligan is hereby declared as a Tourism Development Area. 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 and the tourism industry.

Sec. 2. 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 tourism 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 areas concerned,

Sec. 3. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with the DOT,
shall conduct the immediate assessment, planning and inclusion in its program the construction or
improvement of roads, bridges and other infrastructures upon the promulgation of this Act,

Sec. 4. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the provisions of this Act and
incorporate it in the DOT’s overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for the ensuing year,

Sec. 5. The Secretaries of the DOT and the DPWH shall include in their respective Department's
program the proper 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 their Departments,

Sec. 6. 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 and/or modified
accordingly,

Sec. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) national
papers of general circulation.

Approved,