TWEENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25 JUL -7 /HO '45
S. No.
SENATE 
188
Rr.v.,
Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A 'OIV£ TOWN, ONE TOURIST ATTRACTION PROGRAM"TO 
PROMOTE TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Tourism is a powerful engine for economic growth, employment generation and 
cultural exchange. The Philippines is a country blessed with rich natural resources and 
vibrant cultural heritage, given this, there is much potential for tourism to be utilized 
in varied ways to uplift communities, especially those in rural and underserved areas. 
Despite this potential, however, many cities and municipalities remain untapped as 
viable tourist destinations due to the lack of infrastructure, marketing platforms, and 
coordinated development programs.
In recognition of the indispensable role of tourism In national development, the 
1987 Philippine Constitution mandate the State to promote a just and dynamic social 
order that will ensure the prosperity and Independence of the nation and free the 
people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services and 
promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life 
for all. In line with this, the Department of Tourism, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593 
or the Tourism Act of 2009, is likewise tasked to develop a globally competitive tourism 
industry.
The proposed "One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program Act" seeks to 
establish a grassroots-centered stimulus program for local tourism development. The 
measure mandates every city and municipality to identify, develop, and promote at 
least one potential tourist destination or cultural attraction that reflects its natural


beauty, heritage, or unique traditions. Through coordinated assistance with various 
government agencies, the bill envisions the creation of access infrastructure, 
marketing platforms, sustainability mechanisms, and capacity-building programs.
Outstandingly, the bill also provides for support in the rehabilitation of certain 
cities and municipalities with exisbng tourism programs to enhance their development 
potential. By institutionalizing the One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program, this 
measure aims to unlock the tourism potential of every locality, promote cultural pride, 
encourage inclusive economic development, generate jobs, and contribute to national 
progress.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
CAMILLE VILLAR


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25 JUL-7 A10 '-A5
SENATE
S. No.
188
Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A "OiV£ TOWN, ONE TOURIST ATTRACTION PROGRAM"10 
PROMOTE TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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ARTICLE I
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GENERAL PROVISIONS
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "One Town, One Tourist
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Attraction Program (OTAP) Act".
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - In cognizance of the role of tourism as an
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indispensable element of national economy and an industry of national interest and
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importance, it is the declared policy of the State to promote tourism through policies
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and programs that drive inclusive local economic activity and boost national economic
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growth. Towards this end, the State shall encourage all cities and municipalities to
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develop potential tourist destinations and attractions that showcase beautiful and
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bountiful natural resources, and manmade attractions in the locality.
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SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act alms to:
(a) Help boost the local economy by developing at least one potential tourist 
destination per city or municipality;


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(b) Provide the necessary infrastructure to access and develop the tourist 
destination, including the development of access roads to nearby areas for 
other possible economic activities;
(c) Provide a free platform to promote and showcase or market the tourist 
destination, including the creation of advertising or marketing materials and 
technical support when necessary;
(d) Collaborate with tourism business owners in effectively marketing the 
tourist destination and highlighting its most attractive and innovative 
attributes;
(e) Establish sustainability programs and institute mechanisms to preserve and 
protect tourist destinations;
(f) Create a town tourism business model guideline for local governments; 
and
(g) Provide incentive packages to towns, individuals and business owners to 
encourage participation and create measures and strategies to entice 
tourists to visit local tourist destinations.
SEC. 4. One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program (OTAP). - There is hereby 
established a One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program (OTAP). OTAP is a stimulus 
program for the promotion and development of local tourism in the grassroots and 
countryside through the creation of tourist destinations and cultural attractions, 
particularly in the city or municipality without tourism program. Cities and 
municipalities with existing tourism programs are entitled to rehabilitation package to 
maximize their tourism potentials.
SEC. 5. Program Components. - The Department of Tourism (DOT) 
Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH), Department of Information and


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Communications Technology (DICT), and Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR), in partnership with the local government units, shall provide the 
following assistance to cities and municipalities;
(a) 
Identification of tourist destinations and cultural attractions;
(b) 
Creation of tourism action plan and program for the development 
of tourist destinations and cultural attractions;
(c) 
Development of tourism roads leading to tourist destinations, 
including the development of surrounding road networks for future 
economic use;
(d) 
Organization of workshops, seminars and capability building 
related to the potentials and opportunities of tourism for the residents;
(e) 
Assistance in securing permits, establishment of parameters and 
creation of a system to protect their environment and preserve the culture 
and way of life of the locals amid the influx of tourists; and
(f) 
Provision of marketing tools and platform for the promotion of the 
tourist destinations, both locally and internationally, including multimedia 
campaigns, and local and international travel fairs.
SEC. 6. Prioritization. - The DOT and other agencies implementing OTAP shall 
prioritize cities and municipalities without tourism programs.
Cities or municipalities with natural tourist desbnations such as caves, falls, 
rock formations, beaches and sanctuaries and manmade structures with potential 
tourist appeal, or cities or municipalities with unique and interesting cultural events 
and practices such as unique fiesta celebrations, food hubs, and parades expressing 
local culture may also receive appropriate assistance under the OTAP.
SEC. 7. Duties of Tourism Officers - The city or municipal tourism officer, in 
coordination with the city or municipal planning officer and city or municipal engineer 
shall:
(a) Identify the potential tourist destination or cultural attraction that may be 
developed, improved, or rehabilitated;


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(b) 
Prepare a feasibility study and evaluation of the potential tourist 
destination or cultural attraction in terms of environmental safety, 
accessibility, marketability, cultural preservation, return of investment, and 
benefits or employment opportunities for the people in the locality;
(c) 
Prepare the civil works plans, detailed estimate, and bill of 
materials for road networks and infrastructure projects to be undertaken in 
the development, rehabilitation or improvement of the identified potential 
or existing tourist attraction; and
(d) 
Submit the development or rehabilitation plans or program to the 
DOT for funding assistance.
Cities or municipalities with no existing tourism officer shall appoint a program 
officer to coordinate with the city or municipal planning officer and city or municipal 
engineer to carry out the duties under this Section.
SEC. 8. Duties of the DOT. - Pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act No. 
9593, otherwise known as ”The Tourism Act of 1999" the DOT shall perform the 
following duties:
(a) 
Study the development or rehabilitation program submitted by a 
city or municipality, including the source of funds and alternative long term 
or short-term financing from government financial institution or private
sector;
(b) 
Coordinate with the DPWH for the development or rehabilitation 
of tourism roads, buildings, and infrastructure projects;
(c) 
Coordinate with the DENR for environmental protection and
safety; and
(d) 
Coordinate with the DICT for the advertisement, software 
technology, and other programs or tools needed In the marketing of tourist 
destinations or cultural attractions.
SEC. 9. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the initial implementation 
of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the DOT. Thereafter,


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such amount as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall 
be induded in the General Appropriations Act.
SEC 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the DOT Secretary shall, in coordination with the heads of 
other implementing agencies, promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the 
effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain 
in force and effect.
SEC. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, proclamations, issuances, or 
ordinances contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are amended, 
repealed, or modified accordingly.
SEC. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette ox in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,