Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1140

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. FAUSTINO ‘INNO’ A. DY V

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The province of Isabela was named in honor of "Her Royal Highness Queen Isabela
IM" of Spain. Isabela is the second largest province of the Philippines and the largest in
Luzon in terms of land area at 10,665 square kilometers. The province is known as the
"Rice and Corn Granary of Luzon," and is considered the trade and industrial center of
Northeastern Luzon,

Aside from agriculture, the tourism sector is also a source of economic growth and
opportunity in Isabela. The province is home to the following tourist destinations:
Aguinaldo Shrine, Bonsai Forest, Camp Samal, Crocodile Sanctuary of San Mariano,
Dibulo Falls, Dicotcotan Beach, Fuyot Springs National Park, Giant Butaka, Honeymoon
Island, Landmark of Heroes, Maconacon Falls, Magat Dam Tourism Complex, Mororan
River, Palanan Rainforest, and Sinavulluan Caves

There are a lot of other areas in the province with tourism potential. However,
government support is needed to develop these arcas and to provide access to local and
foreign tourists. Hence, this measure.

This bill seeks to identify various Tourism Development Areas in the Province of
Isabela and the creation of Isabela Tourism Council. This will pave the way for the
formulation of a Tourism Development Plan for the Province and its incorporation into
the Department of Tourism's National Tourism Development Plan and the development of
support facilities and infrastructure that will greatly enhance the Province's tourism
sector, boost the provincial economy and improve the quality of life of its residents,

With the assistance of the Department of Tourism, the province of Isabela will be

given a chance to achieve its maximum potential as an attractive and viable tourism
destination.

* http:/iprovinceofisabela.phvindexphpltourism/attractions-and-tourist-destinations ?showall=8limitstart=


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



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL wo 1140

Introduced by Rep. FAUSTINO ‘INNO’ A. DY V

AN ACT
IDENTIFYING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE PROVINCE OF
ISABELA, MANDATING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT,
CREATING THE ISABELA TOURISM COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative,
culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for local communities. To this
end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms and infrastructure for
sustainable tourism development. It shall develop and promote certain areas and sites
identified as tourist destinations or attractions in order to drive and propel inclusive
growth throughout the country.

Pursuant thereto, all areas within the Province of Isabela endowed with natural
beauty or historical and cultural significance, with either existing or potential integrated
leisure facilities developed for one or more tourism purpose, shall be considered
tourism development areas

SECTION 2. Identification and Declaration of Tourism Sites. - Areas in the
Province of Isabela that have potential for tourism shall be declared as ecotourism,
cultural heritage tourism, health and weliness tourism, general leisure tourism, or mixed
use tourism sites after consultation with the Department of Tourism (DOT): Provided,
‘That areas in environmentally protected areas shall not be declared tourism sites without
consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

‘The survey and verification of the areas shall be conducted by the National


Mapping and Resource Information Authority, in coordination with the Provincial
Government of Isabela.

SECTION 3. Isabela Tourism Council. — There is hereby created the Isabela Tourism
Council, hereinafter referred to as Council, which shall be the primary policy-making,
planning and coordinating body in the development of tourism in the Province of Isabela
and the administration of tourism sites therein. It shall be composed of the following
members:

a) Provincial Governor of Isabela, as Chairperson;

b) Municipal Mayors of all the municipalities and cities of the Province of Isabela,
who shall elect from among themselves the Council's Vice Chairperson;

c) Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Isabela, duly designated by such
body; and

4) Two (2) representatives from the private sector, appointed by the Chairperson of
the Council, who shall serve for a period of two (2) years.

‘The Provincial Government of Isabela shall provide a Secretariat for the Council
including the funding necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its official
functions and activities.

SECTION 4. Functions of the Council. —- The Council shall have the following
functions:
a) Identify and declare areas as tourism sites;
b) Formulate programs and recommendations and manage local resources and funds
to develop local tourism facilities and attractions;
Assist in the regulation and supervision of tourism-oriented establishments,
thereby ensuring wholesome and clean tourism activities;
4) Assist in monitoring the implementation of the Local Government Code on the
licensing of tourism establishments in the locality to ascertain safe and enjoyable
stay of travelers:
Strictly enforce health and sanitary standards in public restrooms frequented by
public utility vehicles and tourist transport services, i.¢., gasoline stations and
restaurants along main highways and bus stops; and
f) Perform any other duties in accordance with the guidelines issued by the
Department of the Interior and Local Government.

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SECTION 5. Isabela Tourism Development Plan. — The DOT shail, in coordination
with the Council and concerned local government units (LGUs) and agencies of the
government, prepare a tourism development plan for the Province of Isabela and
incorporate the same in its overall tourism development plan pursuant to Republic Act
No. 9593, otherwise known as the “Tourism Act of 2009”. The development plan shall
be jointly implemented with the concerned LGUs and the Council.

The concerned LGUs shall, in coordination with the DOT, DENR, the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the


government, delineate well defined geographic areas within the tourism sites and
coordinate the integrated development of these sites for the optimal use of natural
assets and attractions, as well as of existing facilities: Provided, That said development
plan shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of the
areas.

Upon the promulgation of this Act, the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH) shall, in coordination with the DOT and the Council, implement the
construction and improvement of roads and other infrastructure necessary in the
development of tourism sites and shall incorporate the same in its infrastructure

program.

SECTION 6. Appropriations. - The Secretaries of DOT, DPWH, DENR and
Department of Transportation (DOT?) shall include in their respective Department's
program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act and shall augment such allocation with internally
generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Council shall, in consultation with the DOT, DENR,
DPWH, DOT, the National Economic and Development Authority and other concerned
government agencies and stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
for the proper implementation of this Act.

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

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. — Ail laws, rules, regulations, executive orders,
proclamations, presidential decrees and other issuances inconsistent with any of the
provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended 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,