EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No. 1127

Introduced by Representative Raul 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 2028.1

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 spent a total of Php 128.46 billion in
terms of tourist receipts. Of this, the Province of lloilo hosted around 1.3 million tourists
in 20172

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 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 Iloilo. 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.

* https://Avww.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/countries.
2018/philippines2018, pdf
? Official Western Visayas 2017 Tourist Arrivals Data


Sicogon Island is one of the many beautiful attractions that grace the waters of
Norther 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 “BO! of TUPAS

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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No, 1127

Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas

AN ACT DECLARING THE SICOGON 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. This Act shall be known as the “Sicogon Island Ecotourism Zone Act.”

SECTION 2. Itis 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. The Sicogon Island consisting of three (3) barangays, namely, Alipata,
Buaya, and San Fernando located in the Municipality of Carles, Province of Iloilo, is
hereby declared as an ecotourism zone, to be known as Sicogon Island Ecotourism
Zone. As such, 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. 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. The Secretaries of the DOT, DENR and the Chief Operating Officer of the
TIEZA shall include in their respective programs the implementation of this Act, the


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funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and
internally generate funds of the DOT.

SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the
DOT, in consultation with the DENR, the TIEZA and the Municipality of Carles, shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this
Act.

SECTION 6. 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. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least
two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,