BREBBRBSSSRTESSSE Sows nneone

Republic af the Philippines
House of Representatives

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.0719

INTRODUCED BY REP. LUISA LLOREN CUARESMA
Lone District 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

In 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
KMDA \


SRzRIR

31
32
3

35

fSeeeaR

43

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

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 (DT!), and Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA) are the LGU’s partners in its implementation. Private sectors and
LRIs are likewise included.

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

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

eds Gene chet

KMDA 2


47
48

st
2
33

n
n
B

Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7715

INTRODUCED BY REP. LUISA LLOREN 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 shall 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 II 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 Il 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.”

KMDA 3


aaae

SSR GSRKEESSSSESRESRRSSRSSYA

‘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 bases
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 and short-term effects, some of
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;
3. Create a vehicle for educational research and studies; and,
4. Help reduce public health risk against non-organic agricultural products.

SECTION 5. Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism Center — This Act hereby
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 National 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 goverment in coordination with concemed government
agencies.

SECTION 7. Agri-Tourism Council — There is hereby created 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.

KMDA 4


4
ns

116
7
18

9
120
121

135
136
137

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 of 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 gover 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 11. 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,

KMDA 5