NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 2435
of ti.c £■ 'ft.in
23 SEP 12 P4:37
RECEIVED BV.
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
AN ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE, A TOURISM ZONE AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Province of Southern Leyte, located in the Eastern Visayas region, boasts 
a rich natural landscape, pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and cultural heritage. 
Recognizing its tourism potential and the significant role of the tourism industry in 
economic growth, this proposal aims to declare the Province of Southern Leyte as a 
tourism zone to attract more investments and promote sustainable development.
The tourism zone declaration will encourage responsible and sustainable 
tourism practices. With increased attention to the region, there will be greater 
awareness and appreciation of Southern Leyte's unique cultural heritage and pristine 
natural resources. This, in turn, will foster local pride and stimulate efforts to preserve 
and protect these valuable assets for future generations.
This tourism zone declaration will also encourage the national government to 
prioritize and allocate funds for infrastructure development projects in the province. 
Upgrading and expanding existing transportation networks and infrastructure will 
facilitate better accessibility to tourist destinations. It will also directly contribute to 
enhancing the visitor experience and increasing Southern Leyte's attractiveness as a


tourism destination, while also improving the overall quality of life for the local 
population.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR CHRISTOPUER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
of :i,f S- ' !'i- 1
23 SEP 12 P4:37
SENATE
S. No. 2435
RECEIVED BV:
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
AN ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE, A TOURISM ZONE AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the 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.
Sec. 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.
Sec. 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.


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Sec. 4. Upon the promulgation of this Act, the DPWH, in coordination with the 
DOT, shali 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.
Sec. 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 annuai General Appropriations Act and from internally 
generated funds of the DOT.
Sec. 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.
Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules 
and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of 
this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingiy.
Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of generai circulation.
Approved,