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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 7 Gy

eoavced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias |

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Maruaya Farm Tourism and Agro-industrial Site
in Piddig, llocos Norte as a tourist destination.

The Philippines possesses world heritage sites like the Subterranean River
National Park in Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Rice Terraces in the Cordilleras. The
country is also home to the second-best beach in Asia - Boracay. Furthermore,
the Philippine has also been popular around the world for its agriculture. Its
agricultural areas make up 47% of the total land area.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) acknowledges agriculture as a
contributing factor to the country’s tourism and economy. On October 23, 2017,
the DOT launched the “its More Fun in the Philippine Farm" program which aims
to focus on farm tourism. The program also hopes to encourage the youth to take
interest in agriculture and address the problem of conversion of lands to industrial
sites, shopping malls or subdivisions. The farmers are getting old while majority of
the youth are taking up non-agriculture related courses.

In an article published in the Business World, entitled “Farm tourism gaining
ground in PHL," it was reported that farm tourism in the Philippines boosts the
economy of the country as foreign tourists ballooned to 3.177 million from January
to May 2018, a growth of 10.24% from the same period in 2017. This has made the
Philippines one of the top destinations for farm tourism, along with Taiwan, Hawaii,
California, Brazil and others. Several provinces, like La Union, Pangasinan and
Zambales have already invested in farm tourism.



About 80% of the residents of the Municipality of Piddig, a third-class
municipality, source their income from agriculture. In order to boost the socio-
economic status of the residents, the local government and the Piddig Organic
Agricultural Practitioners Associations, Inc. came up with innovations centered on
cultural and nature-based tourism. Thus, a sunflower farm and vegetable garden
in the Maruaya Village was established. This initiative was welcomed by about
3,000 tourists, both local and foreign, on February 14, 2019. The development in
Maruaya Village encouraged the youth to pursue education on agriculture and
convinced them that there is success in agriculture.

In addition to the sunflower farm and vegetable garden, the site also
houses a coffee roasting facility and food factory school. In cooperation with the
Technical Education and skills Development Authority (TESDA), the food factory
school offers training courses for interested individuals to learn and harness their
skills. Currently, there is a project proposal for a convergence between the
Municipality of Piddig and the Department of Public Works and Highways in
concreting the ragged Maruvaya Road leading to the site.

With the opening of the Maruaya Farm, more tourists are expected to visit
the place which will lead to business opportunities. The business opportunities, in
tum attract investors which will boost the economy of the municipality. The
national government must, therefore, help in its promotion and ensure the
sustainability and preservation of the natural beauty of the site.

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

RIA CHRISTINA G. FARINAS . FARINAS |


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

| EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6233

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias |

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MARUAYA FARM TOURISM AND AGRO-INDUSTRIAL SITE IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF PIDDIG, PROVINCE OF ILOCOS NORTE AS A TOURIST
DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

Section 1. The Maruaya Farm Tourism and Agro-Industrial Site is hereby
declared a tourist destination. As such, its development shall be prioritized by the
Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations
governing the development of tourist destinations.

Sec. 2. Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, he DOT, in
coordination with the local government units and agencies of the government,
shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction, installation,
and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and facilities that enhance
tourism in the area: Provided, That the development plan shall ensure the
preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area:
Provided, further, That any activity and development to be carried out in the area

must conform with the concept of ecotourism as provided in the national


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ecotourism strategy jointly issued by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources and the DOT.

Sec. 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to
implement tk : tourism development plan that suits the natural characteristics of
the Marvaya Farm Tourism and Agro-Industral site and shallincorporate the same
inits tourism development and program for the ensuing calendar year. It shall also
include Bedle Farm Tourism and Agro-Industrial Site in all its national, regional,
and local promotion programs.

Sec. 4. The Secretary of Tourism shall include in the DOT's program the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act and from internally generated funds of the DOT.

Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
Tourism, in consultation with the Municipality of Piddig, shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders, or parts
thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended accordingly.
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Sec. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,