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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.6354

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, a cultural heritage structure, was built in the
Municipality of Burgos, Province of Ilocos Norte during the Spanish colonial period.

It is the highest lighthouse in the country and is situated in Vigia de
Nagparitan Hill located at the most northwestern point of mainland Luzon. The
lighthouse was first lit on March 30, 1892 and has since served to signal all ships
coming to or passing by the Philippines.

On August 13, 2004, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was declared as a
national historical landmark by the National Historical Institute, now the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines. On June 20, 2005, the National Museum
declared the lighthouse as a national cultural treasure.

Given the nature and historical significance of this majestic lighthouse, it is
important that the government ensures its preservation and sustainability by
providing a comprehensive development plan to this historical landmark and
cultural treasure.

This bill seeks to declare the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse as a tourist
destination and mandates the Department of Tourism, in coordination with the
Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Municipality of Burgos, to
come up with its development plan.


In view of the foregoing, the approval of this proposed measure is earnestly
sought for.

RIA CHRISTINA ©. FARINAS RU G. FARINAS |


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6354
House Bill No.

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

AN ACT
DECLARING THE CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BURGOS,
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 Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in the Municipality of Burgos,
Province of llocos Norte, 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 concerned 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 activities and developments to
be cared out in the area must conform with the concept of ecotourism as


provided in the national 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 the tourism development plan that suits the natural characteristics of
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, and shall incorporate the same in its tourism
development and program for the ensuing calendar year. It shall also include
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse 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 Burgos, 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.

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,