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

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No. — 4526 —

Introduced by Representatives Gil P. Acosta, Frederick F. Abueg, Franz
Josef George E. Alvarez,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill declares the province of Palawan as the Cruise Ship Capital of
the Philippines with the corresponding government support.

Section Two (2) of RA 9593 provides that “The State declares tourism as
an indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national
interest and importance, which must be harnessed as an engine of socio-
economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign
exchange and employment, and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of
national pride for all Filipinos.”

Palawan is the first destination when it comes to cruise-tourism, The
cruise ships coming to the Province of Palawan are top of the line. From
January — September 2016, thirteen (13) international cruise ships have visited
Palawan,

Palawan is the biggest province in the Philippines and is composed of
1,768 islands and islets. An exotic paradise in South East Asia, Palawan has
been voted the world’s best island for the second time in a row. Nothing defines


Palawan more than the water around it. The Philippines’ most sparsely
populated region is also the most enticing. Diving, island-hopping and
snorkelling trips in this part of the world manage to captivate both those seeking
adventure and those wanting to relax.

The declaration of the Province of Palawan as the Cruise Ship Capital
of the Philippines would create a favourable image of the Philippines within
the international community, thereby strengthening the country’s attraction as a
tourism destination and eventually paving the way for other benefits that may
result from a positive global view of the country

Taking into account the points raised, immediate passage of this bill is
earnestly sought.

resentative
istrict of Palawan

3rd
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“DHRICK F. ABUEG FRA JOSEF GEQRGE E. ALVAREZ
Representative Representative
2" Distrlet of Palawan 1" District of Palawan



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENT, Vv!
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4526

Introduced by Representatives Gil P. Acosta,
Frederick F. Abueg, Franz Josef George E. Alvarez

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AS THE
CRUISE SHIP CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1, TITLE. - This Act shall be known as “An Act
Declaring the Province of Palawan as the Cruise Ship Capital of the

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. - It is hereby declared
the policy of the State to promote sustainable tourism industry throughout the
country. Towards this end, the Province of Palawan, being the country’s first
destination when it comes to cruise-tourism is hereby declared the Cruise Ship
Capital of the Philippines.

As such, it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing
tourism zones

“TION 3. CONSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION, AND
MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURES AND FACILITIES. — The
DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, shall, within one (1)



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year from the approval of this Act, cause the construction, installation and
maintenance of such appropriate infrastructures and facilities which shall
enhance the cruise- ship industry in the entire Province of Palawan.

SECTION 4, IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS, -
The DOT shall prepare a master plan and promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations to be approved by the President of the Philippines.

SECTION 5. APPROPRIATION. - The Secretary of the DOT shall
include in the Department’s program the implementation of this Act, the
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 6. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. - If any provision of this
Act shall be held unconstitutional, any other provision not otherwise affected
shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, executive orders,
rules, and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act are hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly,

SECTION 8. EFFECTIVITY, This Act shall take effect after its
complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,