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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Constitution Hills, Quezon City * =
Gy ME _S:1Spmm
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._ 3312

Introduced by Representative VINCENT FRANCO D. FRASCO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Santiago Public Beach in the Municipality of San Francisco,
Province of Cebu, as a tourist destination of the Philippines.

The proposed measure is similar to House Bill No. 7552, which waw previously filed in
the 19" Congress and approved by the House on May 09, 2023. It was transmitted to the Senate
on May 10, 2023. However, up to the present, the proposal has not materialized.

Section 1, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the goals of the
national economy are a more equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth; a
sustained increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of
the people; and an expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially
the underprivileged.

Furthermore, Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 declared tourism as an
indispensable element of the national economy that shall spur socio-economic growth, investment
and employment in the country.

San Francisco is a third class municipality in the province of Cebu. According to the 2020
Philippine National Census, it has a population of 59,236 people. It is one of the municipalities
that comprise the Camotes Islands. It is composed of 15 barangays, including Santiago. The waters
surrounding the islands support a very rich and diverse fishery resource, which includes tilapia,
carp, milkfish, and catfish, among others. Many of the local residents depend on fishing as a
resource for their subsistence and livelihood. This is the second half of farming among locals.

‘Tourism is another major source of income, especially among hotels, resorts and tourism
business entities. Camotes can provide tourists and visitors a refreshing and relaxing environment
for those who seek silence and solitude.

Santiago Bay is located in the southwestern part of the island, The wide and deep white
sand beach is situated directly in front of the town of Santiago. This beach is owned by the local

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government and is a favorite rendezvous for locals and visitors. With the fishing communities
within the area, it can boost tourism and can provide opportunities to the fisherfolk.

In this light, the Bill was filed which declares the Santiago Public Beach as a tourism
destination/tourist spot in the Fifth District of the Province of Cebu. The declaration of this beach
as a tourism destination will bring in the surge of tourists in the area, whether foreign or domestic,
and will bring in significant economic gains in the province.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this Bill is earnestly requested.

a7

VINCENT FRANCO D. FRASCO

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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3312

Introduced by Representative VINCENT FRANCO D. FRASCO

AN ACT
DECLARING SANTIAGO PUBLIC BEACH IN THE CAMOTES ISLANDS,
MUNICIPALITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, PROVINCE OF CEBU, AS A TOURIST
DESTINATION

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

Section 1. The Santiago Public Beach located in the Camotes Islands, Municipality of San
Francisco, Province of Cebu, is hereby declared a tourism destination. Pursuant thereto, its
development shall be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to
the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism destinations.

Section 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the municipal government of
San Francisco shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources and concemed agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan that
shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate infrastructure and
facilities to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the
preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further,
That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of the
municipal government of San Francisco.

Section 3. The DOT shall assist the municipal government of San Francisco in the
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism
capacity building, It shall also include the Santiago Public Beach in its national and regional
promotion programs.

Section 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual

budget of the municipal government of San Francisco. The DOT may augment such allocation
with internally-generated funds.

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Section 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the municipal government
of Liloan shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government,
promulgate rules and regulation to implement this Act.

Section 6. All laws, regulations, presidential decrees and other issuances inconsistent with
any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

Section 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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