NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 2080
I:
of ti)?
23 liPR 19 PI ;30
received by.
Introduced by: Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
IDENTIFYING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE PROVINCE OF 
ISABELA, MANDATING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, THEREBY 
CREATING THE ISABELA TOURISM COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Province of Isabela is known to be the Trade and Industrial Center of 
Northeastern Luzon. It is known to be a home to numerous tourist destinations such as 
the Aguinaldo Shrine, Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP), and the Shrine of 
Our Lady of the Visitation of Guibang. The purpose of the proposed measure is to 
encourage the coordination between the local government units and the National 
Government and to formulate policies focused on maximizing the development of the
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In view of aforementioned considerations, the passage of thus^uHTis earneslty^ught.
RAFFYLT. TULFO
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
ot «j?^trcrctara>
23 RPR 19 PI 30
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 2080
Introduced by: Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
IDENTIFYING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE PROVINCE OF 
ISABELA, MANDATING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, THEREBY 
CREATING THE ISABELA TOURISM COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
Chapter 1
Preliminary Provisions
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.


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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 Isabela endowed with natural 
beauty or historical and cultural significance, with either existing or potential integrated 
leisure facilities developed for one or more tourism purpose, shall be considered tourism 
development areas.
SEC. 2. Identification and Deciaration of Tourism Sites. - All areas in the Province of 
Isabela 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 in 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 
Isabela.
SEC. 3. Isabeia Tourism Council. - There is hereby created the Isabela 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 Isabela and the 
administration of tourism sites therein. It shall be composed of the following members:


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a. The Provincial Governor of Isabela, as Chairperson;
b. The Municipal Mayors of all the municipalities and cities of the Province of Isabela, who 
shall elect from among themselves the Council's Vice Chairperson;
c. A Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Isabela, duly designated by such body; 
and
d. Two (2) Representatives from the private sector, appointed by the Chairperson of the 
Council, who shall serve for a period of two (2) years.
The Provincial Government of Isabela 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. To identify and declare areas as tourism sites;
b. To formulate programs and recommendations and manage local resources and funds 
to develop local tourism facilities and attractions;
c. To assist in the regulation and supervision of tourism-oriented establishments, thereby 
ensuring wholesome and clean tourism activities;
d. To assist in the monitoring of the Implementation of the Local Government Code on 
the licensing of tourism establishments in the locality to ascertain safe and enjoyable stay 
of travellers;
e. To strictly enforce health and sanitary standards in public restrooms frequented by 
public utility vehicles and tourist transport services, i.e., gasoline stations and restaurants 
along main highways and bus stops; and
f. To perform any other duties In accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department 
of the Interior and Local Government.
SEC. 5. Isabela Tourism Development Plan. - The DOT, in coordination with the Council 
and concerned local government units (LGUs) and agencies of the government, shall
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prepare a tourism development plan for the province of Isabela 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 
by the concerned LGUs and the Council.
The concerned LGUs , in coordination with the DOT, DENR, the Tourism Infrastructure 
and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, shall 
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), in coordination with the DOT and the Council, shall 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 the 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 Reguiations. - Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity 
of this Act, the Council, in consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, DOTr, the National 
Economic and Development Authority and other concerned government agencies and 
stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper 
implementation of this Act.


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SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions which are not affected 
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, 
letter of instruction, administrative order, proclamation, charter, rule or regulation and/or 
parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, 
modified or amended accordingly.
SEC. 10. Effectivity Cause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,