Republic of the Philippin
House of Representatives

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1063

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Loren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizeaya

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN AGRI-TOURISM IN BARANGAY UDDIAWAN,
MUNICIPALITY OF SOLANO IN THE PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

One of the developmental challenges identified during the workshop of the economic
sector was the problem on the farmers’ low income brought about by high cost of production.
To address this issue, the sub-sector on agriculture identified the establishment of an Agri-
tourism farm as one of the possible solutions to the said problem.

{n view of the vast agricultural lands of Solano lies the challenges faced by the
farmers. The tourism industry of Solano on the other hand has the potential to augment the
promotion of the agricultural sector through integrating activities that will help in sustaining
these two competitive sectors.

Although there are about forty-one (41) accredited Agri-tourism sites located in the
Philippines, the concept of integrating agriculture and tourism activities is relatively new in
the province. The introduction of this project is therefore viewed as an attractive venture to
the public.

The Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism Center or SIATC is a five-hectare Agri-tourism
site located at the rural barangay of Uddiawan, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. Its components
include among others the rice production area, vegetable production area, orchard production
area, and greenhouse, fishpond, training center, guest house, and office and processing area.

It is the project’s main objective to provide economic benefits through increased job
opportunities for farmers. Aside from the economic benefits that can be derived by the

farmers and the local government from this project, social and environmental benefits of
long-term and immediate effects are most likely to be generated.

Upon its operation, it is expected to benefit 6,590 workers from the agricultural sector
and the 38 tourism-related establishments within the municipality. The National government
Agencies (NGAs) such as the Department of Agriculture (DA). Department of Tourism
(DOT), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Philippine Statistic
Authority (PSA) are the LGU’s partners it its implementation. Private sectors and LRIs are
likewise included.


This project, when developed and managed appropriately could significantly offset the
socioeconomic fallout resulting from declined incomes in farming areas. The increased
tourist arrival, expansion of business, and increased job opportunities will contribute to the
income improvement of family, community and government.

Hence, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly requested

y pee CUARESMA


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL nol CE3

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Loren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN AGRI-TOURISM IN BARANGAY UDDIAWAN,
MUNICIPALITY OF SOLANO IN THE PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA

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

SECTION 1, Short Title — This act shal] be known as the “Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism
Center Act”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy ~ It is a clear mandate of our fundamental law to protect
and conserve our environment not only for our benefit but most importantly, for the generations to
come.

Section 16, Article I] of the 1987 Constitution provides that, “The State shall protect and
advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature.”

Further, Section 22, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that, “The State recognizes
and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity
and development

Towards this end, it is hereby declared as the policy of the State to promote a tourism
industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically
viable and equitable for communities

SECTION 3. Objectives — the project seeks to provide numerous economic benefits to the
farmers as well as to the surrounding community members. Its operation aims to increase income
opportunities throughout the year thereby increasing the family income

The project is likewise viewed to be a means to encourage more tourists to experience actual
farm activities while appreciating the value of farmers’ produce.

On the part of the municipality, the project intends support local economy through various
goods and services available to the tourists and by increasing its local tax basses through utilization
of the locally available fresh produce


The project aims to provide not only economic benefits but also social and environmental
benefits including its resultant long-term effects, some which are enumerated below:

1. Bring different people together providing therefore opportunities for cultural exchange:

2. Support local crafts produced by women, out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities,
drug surrenders’ and others,
Create a vehicle for educational research and studies; and,
4. Help reduce public health risk against non-organic agricultural products

SECTION §, Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism Center ~ This Act herby declares Solano
Integrated Agri-Tourism Center in Barangay Uddiawan, municipality of Solano, province of Nueva
Vizcaya as an Agri-Tourism Site

SECTION 6. Agri-Tourism Master Plan - The Municipal Government of Solano, Nueva
Vizcaya, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of
Tourism (DOT) shall jointly prepare an Ecotourism Master Plan for Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism
Center and to promulgate necessary rules and regulations to be implemented by the local government
in coordination with concerned government agencies.

SECTION 7. Agri-Tourism Council ~ There is hereby created and an eco-tourism council,
to be known as “Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism Council”, hereinafter referred to as the Council to
be composed of one representative each from accredited non-government organizations and people's
organizations engaged in eco-tourism, one recognized indigenous people’s federation, reputable
travel organizations, the academe and the local chief executive of the Municipality of Solano,
Province of Nueva Vizcaya who shall sit as the chairman of the Council

Solano’s local legislative body shall appoint the members of the Council for a term of five (5)
years, renewable for one term.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) and national Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) shall assist the Council in its task
in pursuing the objectives of this Act.

SECTION 8. Appropriations ~ The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be included in the budget of concerned government agencies in the General Appropriations Act
of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter

SECTION 9. Implementation — Within sixty (60) days after the implementation of this Act,
the DENR in coordination with DOT and NCIP shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulation
to govern the effective implementation of this Act

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause — All laws, decrees, executive orders, administrative orders
or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.

SECTION L1. Separability Clause — If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect

SECTION 12. Effectivity Clause ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation

Approved,