Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _7585

Introduced by: Hon. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan

AN ACT
IDENTIFYING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE PROVINCE OF
QUEZON, MANDATING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, CREATING
THE QUEZON TOURISM COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009”,
provides that, "The State declares tourism as an indispensable element of the
national economy and an industry of national interest and importance, which must be
harnessed as an engine of socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation to
generate investment, foreign exchange, and employment, and to continue to mold an
enhanced sense of national pride for all Filipinos."

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is currently pursuing a recovery plan with
the end goal of a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Philippine tourism industry.

The National Tourism Development Plan 2016-2022, which is a continuation
of the National Tourism Development Plan 2011-2016 formulated in 2010 by the
DOT as mandated by Republic Act 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of
2009”, envisions the development of a highly competitive and environmentally
sustainable tourism industry that is focused on creating inclusive growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, severely affected tourism, particularly in
the Philippines where the contribution of the industry to the country’s gross domestic
product fell to 5.4% from 12.8% in 2019.

More than a year after the imposition of restrictions, people express their
desire to travel again both for business and leisure. Various surveys depict the
desire of people for a change in environment and improve mental health. As the
world starts to reopen for personal transactions and interactions, it is high time to
take this opportunity for the promotion of tourism in the country to support the
businesses and workers grappling for sustained livelihood amidst these challenging
times.

In this light, this bill seeks to identify various Tourism Development Areas in
the Province of Quezon and the creation of Quezon Tourism Council, which will pave
the way for the formulation of a Tourism Development Plan for Quezon and its
incorporation into the DOT’s National Tourism Development Plan. It also aims to


develop support facilities and infrastructure to encourage positive experience for
tourists, preserve the aesthetic beauty of the tourist attractions, promote the
development of the tourism sector of the entire Quezon Province, and improve the
well-being of local residents

The Province of Quezon is primarily agricultural in nature. In terms of area or
size, it is the 6th largest province in the country at 2.65% with a total land area of
8,706.60 sq. km. making it the largest as well in the region at 53.21%.

It was originally called Kaliraya/Kalilayan, after its capital town (now Unisan)
upon its creation 1591. However, around the middle of the 18th century, the capital
was transferred to the town of Tayabas which then also changed the name of the
province to Tayabas.

Tayabas was changed to “Quezon Province” by virtue of Republic Act No. 14
as signed by the late President Manuel Roxas on September 7, 1945, as a gesture
of homage and respect to one of the distinguished sons of this province, the late
President Manuel Luis Quezon, the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth.

Quezon Province is a first-class province occupying Luzon’s central section. It
is bounded on the north by the province of Aurora Province, on the west by the
provinces of Laguna and Rizal, on the southwest by the province of Batangas and on
the southeast by Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. Tiaong, its first municipality
via the Maharlika Highway, is about 89 kilometers from Metro Manila, while Lucena
City, the provincial capital, is about 137 kilometers southeast of Metro Manila.

The province is composed of thirty-nine (39) municipalities, one (1)
component city, Tayabas, and one (1) highly urbanized city, Lucena. These are
further subdivided into 1,242 barangays and are grouped into four (4) congressional
districts.

With its vast expanse of marvelous scenic location and an abundance of
cultural heritage, it is but appropriate to protect and nurture Quezon’s valuable
tourism and heritage to ensure their preservation for the future generations.

In view of the foregoing, the expeditious passage of this bill is earnestly

sought.
L77- om
Keith Micah .L.

4th District, Quezon



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _7585

Introduced by: Hon. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan

AN ACT
IDENTIFYING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE PROVINCE OF
QUEZON, MANDATING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, CREATING
THE QUEZON TOURISM COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible,
participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for local
communities. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper
mechanisms and infrastructure for sustainable tourism development. It shall develop
and promote certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions in
order to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country.

Pursuant thereto, all areas within the Province of Quezon endowed with
natural beauty or historical and cultural significance, with either existing or potential
integrated leisure facilities developed for tourism purposes, shall be considered
tourism development areas.

SEC. 2. Identification and Declaration of Tourism Sites. - Areas in the
Province of Quezon that have potential for tourism shall be declared as ecotourism,
cultural heritage tourism, health and wellness tourism, general leisure tourism, or
mixed-use tourism sites after consultation with the Department of Tourism (DOT):
Provided, That areas environmentally protected areas shall not be declared tourism
sites without consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR)

The survey and verification of the areas shall be conducted by the National
Mapping and Resource Information Authority in coordination with the Provincial
Government of Quezon.

SEC. 3. Quezon Tourism Council. - There is hereby created the Quezon
Tourism Council, hereinafter referred to as Council, which shall be the primary
policy-making, planning and coordinating body in the development of tourism in the
Province of Quezon and in-charge of the administration of tourism sites therein. It
shall be composed of the following members:


a) Provincial Governor of Quezon, as Chairperson;

b) Municipal Mayors of all the municipalities and cities of the Province of
Quezon who shall elect from among themselves the Council's Vice Chairperson;

c) Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Quezon, duly designated by
such body; and

d) Two (2) representatives from the private sector, appointed by the
Chairperson of the Council, who shalll serve for a period of two (2) years.

The Provincial Government of Quezon shall provide a Secretariat for the
Council including the funding necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its
Official functions and activities.

SEC. 4. Functions of the Council. - The Council shall have the following
functions;

a) Identify and declare areas as tourism sites;

b) Formulate programs and recommendations and manage local resources
and funds to develop local tourism facilities and attractions;

) Assist in the regulation and supervision of tourism-oriented establishments,
thereby ensuring wholesome and clean tourism activities;

d) Assist in monitoring the implementation of the Local Government Code on
the licensing of tourism establishments in the locality to ascertain safe and enjoyable
stay of travelers;

e) Strictly enforce health and sanitary standards in public restrooms
frequented by public utility vehicles and tourist transport services, ie., gasoline
stations and restaurants along main highways and bus stops; and

) Perform any other duties in accordance with the guidelines issued by the
Department of the Interior and Local Government.

SEC. 5. Quezon Tourism Development Plan. - The DOT shall, in coordination
with the Council and concerned local government units (LGUs) and agencies of the
government, prepare a tourism development plan for the Province of Quezon and
incorporate the same in its overall tourism development plan pursuant to Republic
Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the "Tourism Act of 2009". The development plan
shall be jointly implemented with the concerned LGUs and the Council.

The concerned LGUs shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Tourism Infrastructure and
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other concerned agencies of the government,
delineate well defined geographic areas within the tourism sites and coordinate the
integrated development of these sites for the optimal use of natural assets and
attractions, as well as of existing facilities: Provided, That said development plan


shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of the
areas.

Upon the promulgation of this Act, the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH) shall, in coordination with the DOT and the Council, implement
the construction and improvement of roads and other infrastructure necessary in the
development of tourism sites and shall incorporate the same in its infrastructure
program.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The Secretaries of DOT, DPWH, DENR and
Department of Transportation (DOT?) 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 shall augment such allocation with internally
generated funds of the DOT.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Council shall, in consultation with the DOT, DENR,
DPWH, DOT, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and other
concerned government agencies and stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules
and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in
full force and effect,

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders,
proclamations, presidential decrees and other issuances inconsistent with any of the
provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
Publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,