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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 7883

Introduced by REP. RAUL “BOBOY” C. TUPAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

AN ACT DECLARING THE SICOGON ISLAND IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CARLES,
PROVINCE OF ILOILO AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

The travel and tourism sector contributed a total of Php 3.35 trillion to the Philippine
economy in 2017, accounting for about 21% of the country’s gross domestic product
(GDP), according to the latest report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The sector also directly supported some 2.3 million jobs or about 5.8% of employment last
year. This is expected to rise by 6.6% in 2018 and rise by 2.6% to 3.2 million jobs in 2028."

The Western Visayas Tourist Arrival Data from DOT Region VI show that a total of
5.9 million tourists visited the region in 2017 and spenta total of Php 128.46 billion in terms
of tourist receipts. Of this, the Province of lloilo hosted around 1.3 million tourists in 2017.2

Certainly, travel and tourism remains one of the largest economic sectors in the
Philippines. The booming travel and tourism sector is currently driving the growth of many
industries as it continues to create jobs, drive exports and generate prosperity for the
country.

Pursuant to the policy of the State to promote sustainable tourism industry
throughout the country, this bill seeks to declare the Sicogon Island in the Municipality of
Carles, Province of lloilo as an ecotourism zone with the goal of developing and promoting

+ https://www.wtte.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/countries-2018/philippines2018.pdf
? Official Western Visayas 2017 Tourist Arrivals Data


the island into a tourist destination, generating investments and creating job opportunities,
and protecting the natural resources within the area.

Sicogon Island is one of the smaller islands in the northeastern tip of the Province
of lloilo. It has an estimated area of 1,160 hectares and politically located in the
Municipality of Carles. The island has three barangays, namely, Alipata, Buaya, and San
Fernando with an estimated population of 5,238.

Sicogon Island is one of the many beautiful attractions that grace the waters of
Northern Iloilo. Sicogon became a popular tourist destination during the 70s and 80s
because of the high-end resort suitably named “Sicogon Island Resort” operating in the
island. At present, Sicogon Island is touted as the newest tourism hub and Gateway of
Western Visayas.

This bill is in line with the National Tourism Development Plan of the government
which supports the development of Philippine tourism product and raises the
competitiveness of the Philippines as a tourism destination.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate consideration and passage of the bill is

earnestly sought.
RAUL pa coe TUPAS;


wars HsHwnNe

oe
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Third Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No. 2883

Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas

AN ACT DECLARING THE SICOGON ISLAND IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CARLES,
PROVINCE OF ILOILO AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE 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 the “Sicogon Island Ecotourism Zone
Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy- \tis hereby declared the policy of the State to promote
a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally-
sensitive, economically viable and equitably beneficial to local communities.

SECTION 3. Sicogon Island Ecotourism Zone — The Sicogon Island consisting of three
(3) barangays, namely, Alipata, Buaya, and San Fernando located in the Municipality of
Carles, Province of lloilo, is hereby declared as an ecotourism zone, to be known as Sicogon
Island Ecotourism Zone. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of
ecotourism zones.

The DOT shall prepare the development plan for Sicogon Island and shall
incorporate the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant
to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009”. The plan shall be
implemented jointly with the Municipality of Carles, the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority
(TIEZA).

The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Carles, the DENR, the TIEZA and
other concerned agencies of the government, shall delineate well-defined geographic areas
within the Sicogon Island Ecotourism Zone and coordinate the integrated development of
the area for the optimum use of natural assets and attractions. The development shall
ensure the preservation of the flora and fauna and perpetuate the historic significance of the
identified tourist attractions.

SECTION 4. Appropriations- The Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall
include in the Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which


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shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and internally-generated funds
of the DOT.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations- Within sixty (60) days after the
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT), in consultation with
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Tourism Infrastructure
and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the Municipality of Carles, shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause- All laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations and other
issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,