Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Sor
Quezon City nie ea
Eighteenth Congress \, ey
First Regular Session NE wey
IDEX ©
OKA

HOUSE BILL NO. 5160

Introduced by Honorable Deogracias Victor ‘DV’ B. Savellano

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Province of Ilocos Sur is blessed with a. culture and history-rich heritage which
has the potential of being among the country’s top tourist destinations. Promoting tourism
does not only generate additional revenues for the communities, it also provides an impetus
for the conservation and protection of historic sites and natural wonders, as well as
showcases the culture and traditions of its people.

The thrust of integrating tourism with local trade and industry is an ongoing
campaign that simultaneously addresses concerns, interventions and the development of
the these three (3) sectors. The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur recognizes that a
boost in tourism ultimately results in a boom in local trade and industry, especially for small
to medium-scale enterprises.

Tourism for both Filipinos and foreigners has been identified as a priority project by
the province because of its unique combination of diverse attractions, from heritage sites to
beaches, from adventure sports to eco-tourism and new tourism fronts such as agricultural
tourism, pilgrimage tourism and ethnic-tribal tourism.

Each town and city is encouraged to promote its own respective tourist attractions.
Each site will also be refurbished in partnership with the local governments, and the private
sector will be encouraged to develop facilities and services such as accommodations,
convention centers, restaurants and local town products.

This bill seeks to declare the Province of llocos Sur as a tourism development area
in accordance with RA No. 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of 2009. Ilocos Sur can
progress to become a first-class tourism area that will drive and propel the economy not
only of the province but of the country as well. The distinction of having two World Heritage
sites recognized by UNESCO, namely Sta. Maria Church and Vigan City, are even more
compelling reasons for the passage of this bill.

The approval of this measure is then earnestly sought.

Hon. Deogracias ‘DV’ B Savellano


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

5160
HOUSE BILLNO._

Introduced by Honorable Deogracias Victor ‘DV’ B. Savellano

AN ACT

DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR A TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 * Ilocos Sur Tourism Development Act.”

SECTION 2. Province of llocos Sur as a Tourism Development Area - The Province of
llocos Sur is hereby declared a tourism development area. As such, its development shall be
prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism
zones.

SECTION 3. Tourism Development Plan. — The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other concerned agencies of the
government, shall prepare a tourism development plan for the Province of llocos Sur, providing
for the development, maintenance, improvement and restoration of tourist sites, where
appropriate, in conformity with set forth standards, including the construction of hotels, resorts,
restaurants, recreational facilities and other appropriate facilities and infrastructure: Provided,
that the said development shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural
beauty of the areas concerned. The DOT shall incorporate the tourism development plan to the
overall National Tourism Development Plan pursuant to RA No. 9593, otherwise known as “ The
Tourism Act of 2009.”

The tourism development plan shall be jointly implemented by the local goverment
units concemed and the Provincial Tourism Council of Ilocos Sur. The DPWH, in coordination
with the DOT, shall implement the construction of roads and other infrastructures necessary in
the development of the Province of locos Sur upon the promulgation of this Act and incorporate
the same in its infrastructure program.


SECTION 4. llocos Sur Tourism Council - (a) There is hereby organized the llocos Sur
Tourism Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall be the primary policy-
making, planning and coordinating body in the development of tourism in the Province of llocos
Sur and administration of ecotourism sites therein. The Council shall be composed of:

(1) The Provincial Governor of llocos Sur, as Chairperson;

(2) The mayors of all the municipalities and cities of Ilocos Sur, who elect from among
themselves the Council's Vice Chairperson;

(3) A member of the Sangguniang Panialawigan of llocos Sur, duly designated by such
body;

(4) The respective Regional Directors from the government offices of the Department of
Tourism, the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Works and
Highways.

(5) The Members of the House of Representatives representing the Province of Ilocos
Sur.

(6) Two (2) representatives from the private sector, nominated by the private sector
tourism industry organizations in llocos Sur and appointed by the Chairperson of the
Council, who shall serve for a period of two (2) years.

The Council may create such committees and provide for the functions and the
memberships thereof to assist it in the proper and effective performance of its functions. The
Council may call on other government agencies and offices to provide advice and assistance on
matters relating to the performance of its functions and the development of tourism in Ilocos
Sur.

(b) The Council shall ensure that constituencies, sectors and groups, whose interests
may be affected by the tourism development in llocos Sur, are given sufficient opportunities to
be heard. The Council shall pursue consultations with relevant sectors and constituencies,
conduct research, and engage the assistance of experts and other resource persons, as may be
needed in the performance of its functions.

(c) The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur shall provide a Secretariat for the Council,
including the necessary expenses for the performance of its functions and activities

(d) The functions of the Council shall be harmonized with the functions and
responsibilities of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the protected area
superintendents and the regional ecotourism committee to avoid any overlap or conflict.

SECTION 5. locos Sur Tourism Development Fund - There is hereby established a trust
fund under this Act to be known as the llocos Sur Tourism Development Trust Fund, for
purposes of financing projects which shall enhance tourism in the Province of locos Sur. The
Trust Fund shall be administered by a Trust Fund Administration under the Provincial Tourism
Office of the Province of Ilocos Sur shall be derived from fees collected from visitor/tourists,
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 fund may be augmented by grants and donations, endowments from various
sources, domestic or foreign entities and individuals, for purposes related to their functions.


Provided, that the disbursements, therefrom shall be in accordance with existing accounting and
auditing rules and regulations. Provided, further, that the fund shall not be used to cover
personnel services expenditures.

SECTION 6. Appropriations - The Secretary of the DOT and the Secretary of DPWH shall
include in their Department'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.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations — Within sixty (60) days from the effectivty
of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the local government units of the Province of Ilocos
Sur, shall likewise promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause — If any provision or part of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,