Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HousE B`iiffo.   5990
INTRODUCED BY REP. REYNOLDS MICHAEL T. TAN
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Second District of Samar Province is endowed with places having potential for
tourism such as springs, waterfalls, streams, lakes and other bodies of water, beaches,
marine areas, mountains,  forests, historical or cultural sites and other natural  or man-
made sites and attractions that may be of interest to tourists. In line with the Department
of  tourism's   continuous   efforts   to   promote   safe   and   responsible   tourism   in   the
Philippines, this proposed hill aims to establish tourism circuits in the Second District of
Samar Province that will help promote and maximize the economic potential of not just
one  but  all  the  identified  Tourism  Development Areas  therein.  This  bill  also  provides
measures to ensure the conservation of the said Tourism Development Areas through
the  establishment  of the  Samar Tourism  Council,  Samar Tourism  Development  plan
and the Samar Tourism Development Trust Fund.
The   establishment  of  Tourism   Circuits   under  this   proposed   bill   will   help   give
emphasis   to   the   inter-relationship   among   the   cities   and   municipalities   within   the
Province  Of Samar that are  part  of the  same  destination.  These  tourism  circuits  will
create a tourism value chain among the municipalities and cities concerned.  Moreover,
these   tourism   circuits  will   help   increase  the   volume   of  visitors   in   all   the   tourist
destinations  in  the  Province  of  Samar  since  it  collectively  promotes  all  these  tourist
destinations.
The proposed bill will also help in the further growth and development of the tourism
destinations   in   the   Province   of  Samar   in   line  with   th
Development Areas (TDA).
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is
aration   as   Tourism


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF- REPFtESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOusE..aifi`NO.599o
INTRODUCED BY REP. REYNOLDS MICHAEL TAN
AN  ACT  ESTABLISHIN-G  TOURISM  CIRCUITS  IN  THE  SECOND  DISTRICT  OF
SAMAR,    IDENTIFYING    AND    DECLARING    THE    TOURISM    DEVELOPMENT
AREAS THEREIN, CREATING THE SAMAR PROVINCE TOURISM COUNCIL AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE
Be_it enacted by the Senate and House .Of Representatives Of the .Philippines in
Congress assembled:
SECTION  1.  Short fr.{fe.  - This act shall be known as the "Second  District of Samar
Province Tourism Circuit Act"
SECTION 2.  Dec/arat.on of Po/i.cy.  - It is hereby declared the poliey of the. State_ to
promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, par[icipative,
culturally sensjtjve, economically viable, and equitable. for local communities. To this
end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms and infrastructures
for susfainable tourism development. 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 3. De#m-fi.on of ferns. -The words, language and expression found in this
Act shall be interpreted in accordance with their usual meaning and usage, in such a
manner that would most accurately depict the legislative intent.
a)   Service   centers   -   areas   near   or   within   attraction   sites   where   there   is
concentration of tourism establishments
b)   Tourism  Circuit  -  a  cluster  of  tourism  attractions  within  a  geographic  area,
grouped together for marketing purposes. These attractions include a variety of


travel  experiences,  including  nature,  farm,  culinary,  beach,  and  dive  tourism.
Tourism circuits-can either be inter-regional or intra-regional.
c)    Tourism Development Area - an area representing a functional and sustainable
unit with tourism infrastructure, which ensures an efficient use of resources and
an improvement in tourism development
d)    Tourist Destination - natural, cultural, or historical sites that tourists visit.
SECTION 4.  Tour-sin Cfroui.fs.  There.. shall  be tourism circuits passing through the_
second district of Samar Province to the end that a tourist who enters at the entry
point should get motivated to visit all the places identified on the circuit.
For purposes  of this  act,  a tourism  circuit shall  consist of a  route  on  which  at
least  three  (3)  tourist  destinations  included   in  the_  Tourism   Development  Area.
mentioned  in this Act, which  none of these are in the same municipalities or cities.
Provided,  that the, tourist  destination  shall  not  be separated  by  a large  distance.
Provided  further,  that  the  tourism  circuit  shall  have  a  well-defined  entry  and  exit
points-such that a tourist could cover -them in a sequence. Provided lastly, tha+-there
should be at least one service center within the circuit.
Accordingly,  the following  tourism  circuits  in  the Second  District of Samar  are
hereby esfablished:
a.)  Sta. Rita -Basey -Marabut Circuit (SMB)
b.)  Calbayog  -  Sta.  Margarita  -  Gandara  -  Catbalogan  -  Tacloban  (Secret
Kitchens of Samar)
c.) Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Circuit (Phi[ippjne Eagle Trail)
d.) PCP Circuit (Pinabacdao -Calbiga -Paranas)
e.) d.) Island Municipalities of Samar Circuit (Daram, Zumarraga, Sto. Nino,
Tagapulan, Almagro)
Pursuant thereto, the Department of Tourism in coordination with the concerned
Local  Government  are`  hereby  given  the  authority  to  determine. the  appropriate_
tourism  circuits  in  the  Second  District  of  Samar  subject  to  the  above  provided
requisites.
SECTION  5`.  Tourism  Deve/opmenf-Area.  -The following  tourist destination` areas
located  within  the  second  district  of  Samar  endowed  with  natural,  historical  and
cultural beauty shall, be included. in, the Second District of Samar Province Tourism
Development Area and are thus developed as tourist destinations therein:
a) Ulot River, within the municipality of Paranas, Samar;
b) Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge, within the municipality of Basey, Samar;
c) Golden River, within the municipality of Basey, Samar;


d) St. Michael Church, within the municipality of Basey, Samar;
e) Buscada Graveyard Church, within the municipality of Basey, Samar;
i) Saob Cave, within the municipality of Basey, Samar;
g) Basiao Falls, within the municipality of Basey, Samar;
h) San Antonio Beach, within the municipality of Basey, Samar;
i) Bugasan Falls, within the municipality of Basey, Samar;
j) Mt. Danglay, within the municipality of Basey, Samar;
k) Marabut Seascapes, within the municipality of Marabut, Samar;
I)San Juan by the Bay, within the municipality of Sta. Rita, Samar;
in)lsla de San Martin, within the municipality of Sta. Rita, Samar;
n)San Juanico Strait, within the municipality of Sta. Rita, Samar;
o) Mt. Kapayawan, within the municipality of Sta. Rita, Samar;
p) Babitun-an Cave, within the municipality of Villareal, Samar;
q)Jesus Christ Landmark, within the municipalfty of Villareal, Samar;
r)Guimit Cave, within the municipality of Talalora, Samar;
s)Kandiwa Rock Islet, within the municipality of Daram, Samar;
t) Agutay Rock Islet,  within the municipality of Daram, Samar;
u)Calbiga River, within the municipality of Calbiga, Samar;
v)Lulugayan Falls, within the municipality of Calbiga, Samar;
w) Kanyawa Cave, within the municipality of Calbiga, Samar;
x) Macatingol Cave, within the municipality of Calbiga, Samar;
y) Mt. Huraw, within the municipality of San Jose De Buan, Samar;
z)  Paranas Eco Trail and Birding Site, within the municipality of Paranas, Samar;
aa) Lobo Cave, within the municipality of Jiabong, Samar;
bb) St. Bartholomew Church, within the City of Catbalogan, Samar;
cc) Pieta Park, within the City of Catbalogan, Samar;
dd) Samar Capitol Building Obelisk, within the City of Catbalogan, Samar;
ee) Bularan/Fish Drying Area, within the City of Catbalogan, Samar;
ff) Buri Inflatable Water Park, within the City of Catbalogan, Samar;
gg) Buri -Baras Beach, within the City of Catbalogan, Samar;


hh) Bangon Falls, within the City of Catbalogan, Samar;
ii) Central Cave, within the Cfty of Catbalogan, Samar;
Other areas in the, Second District of Samar Province that have potential for
tourism  such  as  springs,  waterfalls,  streams,   lakes  and  other  bodies  of  water,
beaches,  marine  areas,  mountains,  forests,  historical  or  cultural  sites  and  other
natural or man-made sites and attractions that may be of interest to tourists, shall be
included  among the tourist destination  areas  under this Act after consultation with
the Department of Tourism  (DOT) and the Department of Environment and  Natural
Resources (DENR), the conduct of a survey and verification by the National Mapping
and Resource  Information  Authorfty  (NAMRIA)  in  coordination  with  the  Provincial
Government of Samar.
Provided,  that  the  Tourist  Destinations  identified   in  the  abovementionecl
Tourism  Development  Area  shall  be  the  basis  in  the  determination  of  Tourism
Circuits mentioned in the immediately preceding section.
SECTION  6.  Samar  Tour].sin,  Counc/./.  -  (1)  There, is  hereby  createcl  the  Samar
Tourism  Council,   hereinafter  referred  to  as  Council,  which  shall  be  the  primary
policy-making, planning and coordinating body in the development of tourism in the
Province of Samar and the administration of tourism sites therein. The Council shall
be composed of the following members:
a)    Provincial Governor of samar, as chairperson;
b)    Mayors from the  municipalities  and  cities  of the  Province  Of Samar,  who  shall
elect from among themselves the CounciL's Vice Chairperson;
c)    One (1) Member from each district of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Samar,
duly designated by among their respective Sanggunian district members; and
d),   Two (2) representatives from the private sector, appof nted, by the Chairperson of
the Council, who shall serve for a period of three (3) years.
The Council shall create_such committees for every munieipalfty`or city within
the firsvsecond district of Samar and provide for the functions and the memberships
thereof to assist it in the proper and effective performance of its functions.
(2)   In   order   to   provide   assistance   and   support   to   the   Council   in   the
performance_ of  its  function,     the__ concerned   Local  Government  Unit  (LGU),     in
coordination  with  the  Department  of  Tourism  (DOT),  Tourism  Infrastructure  and
Enterprise  Zone. Authority  (TIEZA),,  and.  Department  Of  Environment  and  Natural
Resources (DENR),   shall delineate well defined geographic areas within the tourism
circuits and  coordinate.the integrated  development of these sites for the_ optimum
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 (DPWH) and the Department
of  Transportation   and   Communications   (DOTC),   including  the   latter's   attached
agencies,  in coordination with the, DOT and Council, shall, prioritize the construction
and improvement of the necessary infrastructure to support tourism development in
the Second District of Samar and incorporate in their annual infrastructure programs.
SECTION  7.   Functions  of  fire  CoL7nc7./.   -  The  Council  shall   have  the  following
functions:
a)   Assist in the regulation and supervision of tourism-oriented establishments which
may  include  but  is  not  limited  to  those  establishments  operated  by  People's
Organizations (PO) and other similar organizations, thereby ensuring wholesome
and clean tourism activities;
b)    Formulate  programs  and  manage  local  resources  and  funds  to  develop  loca-I
tourism facilities and attractions;
c)    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;
d)    Perform  any  other  duties   in   accordance  with  the  guidelines  issued   by  the
Department Of Interior and Local Government,, as well as the implementing rules
and regulations which shall be promulgated in accordance with this Act.
SECTION  8,  TowH-sin  Deve/opmenf F!far}.  -The.Tourism  Development  Plan  of the_
Second  District  of  Samar  Province  shall  be  incorporated   in  the  Department  of
Tourism's (DOT) overall, National Tourism  Development, plan (NTDP) and  be jointly
implemented with the  Local  Government and  Provincial Tourism  Council  of Samar
Province_ taking  into  consideration  Republic  Act  No.  7586,  otherwise` known  as
"National  Integrated  Protected  Areas  System  Act  of  1992",  and  its  implementing
rules and regulations.
SECTtoN 9.  Todfl.sin Deve/apmenf Trust Fund.   There.is hereby established a_ trust
fund under this Act to be known as the Samar Province Tourism Development Trust
Fund for purposes of financing  projects which shall enhance tourism  in the Second
District of Samar Province. The TrustJ Fund  shall be administered by a Trust Fund
Administrator under the Provincial Tourism Council of Samar Province.
Income shall be_ derived from fees from visitors/tourists, fees from permitted
sale and export of flora and fauna and other resources from the province, proceeds
from the registration and lease. of multiple-use areas, including tourism concessions,
fees, proceeds, and contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting the
province. The respective committees created by the Tourism Council for every city or


municipality  within  the  second  district  Of-Samar-will  be-solely  responsible for-the
collection of the aforementioned fees.
The Trust Fund may, be, augmented by grants and donations, endowment from
various sources, domestic or foreign entities and individuals, for purposes related to
their functions: Providedj That. disbursements therefrom , shall I be in` accordance with
existing  accounting  and  auditing  rules  and  regulations:  Provided,  further,  that the
Trust Fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures.
SECTION  to.  Appropr.afroHs.  -  The  DOT,  DENR,  DPWH,  DOTC,  and  LGU  shall
include  in  its Annual  Investment Program  (AIP) the  imp[ementation  of this Act,  the
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SECTION  11.  /mp/emenfing Rules and Regtj/afroi7s. -The Samar Tourism Council,
after  due  consultation  with  the  DOT,   DENR,   DPWH,   DOTC,   LGUs,   and  other
stakeholders,    shall    promulgate    the   rules    and    regulations    for   the    proper
implementation  of this Act within  si)cry  (60)  days  after its effectivity.  Provided,  That
the law shall take effect after sixty (60) days with or without the lRR.
SECTION   12.   Separab/./J.fy   C/ause.   -   If   any   provision   of  this   Act   is   declared
unconstitutional,  the other provisions  no+ affected thereby shall  remain  in full force
and effect.
SECTION  13.  Repeal/'ng C/arse.--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   14.  Effecfivf-fy.  -This  Act  shall  take  effect  fifteen  (15)  days  after  its
complete  publication  in  the  Offilcial  Gazette or in  a  national  newspaper of- general
circulation.
Approved,