Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS:
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 830

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizeaya

EXPLANATORY NOTE

One of the developmental challenges identified during the workshop of the economic
sector was the problem on the farmers’ low income brought about by high cost of production
To address this issue, the sub-sector on agriculture identified the establishment of an agri-
tourism farm as one of the possible solutions to the said problem.

In view of the vast agricultural lands of Solano lies the challenges faced by the farmers.
‘The tourism industry of Solano on the other hand has the potential to augment the promotion
of the agricultural sector through integrating activities that will help in sustaining these two
competitive sectors.

Although there are about forty-one (41) accredited agri-tourism sites located in the
Philippines, the concept of integrating agriculture and tourism activities is relatively new in
the province. The introduction of this project is therefore viewed as an attractive venture to the
public.

The Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism Center or SIATC is a five-hectare agri-tourism site
located at the rural barangay of Uddiawan, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. Its components include
among others the rice production area, vegetable production area, orchard production area, and
greenhouse, fishpond, training center, guest house, and office and processing area.

It is the project’s main objective to provide economic benefits through increased job
opportunities for farmers. Aside from the economic benefits that can be derived by the farmers
and the local government from this project, social and environmental benefits of long-term and
immediate effects are most likely to be generated.

Upon its operation, it is expected to benefit 6,590 workers from the agricultural sector
and the 38 tourism-related establishments within the municipality. The National government
Agencies (NGAs) such as the Department of Agriculture (DA). Department of Tourism
(DOT), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Philippine Statistic
Authority (PSA) are the LGU’s partners it its implementation. Private sectors and LRIs are
likewise included.


This project, when developed and managed appropriately could significantly offset the
socioeconomic fallout resulting from declined incomes in farming areas. The increased tourist
arrival, expansion of business, and increased job opportunities will contribute to the income
improvement of family, community and government.

Hence, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly requested.


Republic of the Uhilippines
House of Representatives

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

890

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN AGRI-TOURISM IN BARANGAY UDDIAWAN,
MUNICIPALITY OF SOLANO IN THE PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA

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

SECTION 1. Short Ti
Center Act”

~ This act shall be known as the “Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy ~ It is a clear mandate of our fundamental law to protect
and conserve our environment not only for our benefit but most importantly, for the generations to
come.

Section 16, Article I of the 1987 Constitution provides that, “The State shall protect and
advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature.”

Further, Section 22, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that, “The State recognizes
and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity
and development.



‘Towards this end, it is hereby declared as the policy of the State'to promote a
tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally
sensitive, economically viable and equitable for communities.

SECTION 3. Objectives — the project seeks to provide numerous economic
benefits to the farmers as well as to the surrounding community members, Its operation aims
to increase income opportunities throughout the year thereby increasing the family income.

‘The project is likewise viewed to be a means to encourage more tourists to
experience actual farm activities while appreciating the value of farmers’ produce.

On the part of the municipality, the project intends support local economy through
various goods and services available to the tourists and by increasing its local tax bases
through utilization of the locally available fresh produce.

The project aims to provide not only economic benefits but also social and
environmental benefits including its resultant long-term and short-term effects, some of
which are enumerated below:

1. Bring different people together providing therefore opportunities for cultural
exchange;

2. Support local crafts produced by women, out-of-school youth, persons with
disabilities, drug surrenders and others;

3. Create a vehicle for educational research and studies: and,

4. Help reduce public health risk against non-organic agricultural products

SECTION 5. Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism Center - This Act hereby
declares Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism Center in Barangay Uddiawan, municipality of
Solano, province of Nueva Vizcaya as an Agri-Tourism Site.

SECTION 6, Agri-Tourism Master Plan - The Municipal Government of
Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR)
and the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall jointly prepare an Ecotourism Master Plan for
Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism Center and to promulgate necessary rules and regulations to
be implemented by the local goverment in coordination with concerned government
agencies.

SECTION 7. Agri-Tourism Council ~ There is hereby created an eco-
tourism council, to be known as “Solano Integrated Agri-Tourism Council”, hereinafter
referred to as the Council to be composed of one representative each from accredited non-
goverament organizations and people’s organizations engaged in eco-tourism, one
recognized indigenous peopie’s federation, reputable travel organizations, the academe and
the local chief executive of the Municipality of Solano, Province of Nueva Vizcaya who
shall sit as the chairman of the Council.

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Solano’s local legislative body shall appoint the members of the Council for a
term of five (5) years, renewable for one term.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Enviroument and
Natural Resources (DENR) and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) shall
assist the Council in its task of pursuing the objectives of this Act.

SECTION 8. Appropriations - The amount necessary to carry out the
Provisions of this Act shall be included in the budget of concerned govemment agencies in
the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

SECTION 9. Implementation — Within sixty (60) days after the
implementation of this Act, the DENR in coordination with DOT and NCIP shail
promulgate the necessary rules and regulation to govern the effective implementation of this
Act.

SECTION 10, Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
administrative orders or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 11. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

SECTION 12, Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)

days following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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