Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 6070

Introduced by Honorable Roger G. Mercado

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Internet Age has greatly contributed to the international exposure of
Southern Leyte as a world class tourist destination. Everybody can expect that
economic development pushed by the tourism industry will soon follow.

However, the expected economic development has not taken off due to lack of
Infrastructure. To address this issue, it is essential for Southern Leyte to be declared as
a tourist zone. In this manner, the appropriate national government agencies can work
together to speed up the Infrastructure development of Southern Leyte.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is hereby being earnestly sought.

DME

ROGER G. MERCADO


Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. Lidl

Introduced by Honorable Roger G. Mercado

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE A
TOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Province of Southern Leyte is hereby declared a tourism zone. As
such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and shall be subject to the rules
and regulations governing the development of tourism zones.

SECTION 2. The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare a
tourism development plan providing for the development, maintenance, improvement
and restoration of tourist sites, where appropriate, in conformity with set standards,
including the construction of hotels, resorts, restaurants, recreational facilities and other
appropriate facilities and infrastructure: Provided, That said development plan shall
ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of the area.


SECTION 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development
plan and incorporate the same in the Department's overall tourism development
program for the ensuing calendar year.

SECTION 4. Upon the promulgation of this Act, the DPWH, in coordination with
the DOT, shall implement the construction and improvement of roads and other
infrastructure necessary in the development of the Province of Southern Leyte, and
incorporate the same in the Department's infrastructure program.

SECTION 5. The Secretary of the DOT and the Secretary of the DPWH 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 from internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 6. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of
this Act.

SECTION 7. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations

or parts thereof which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act shall
bbe deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,