Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. g200

Introduced by Honorable Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano

EXPLANATORY NOTE

For inclusive growth to be achieved, opportunities for economic participation must be enabled to
people with the least access to these opportunities. This means putting in place the mechanisms and the
necessary support infrastructures so people will be encouraged to actively do their part in pursuing growth
and development.

‘The inclusion of the City of Vigan in the UNESCO World Heritage List was a tremendous boost
to the tourism sector in the Province of locos Sur particularly for the residents of the First District. The
UNESCO distinction created multiple opportunities for people to maximize the economic gains presented
by the honor and prestige of a heritage destination. Trickle-down economics characterized the growth of
micro, small, and medium enterprises that capitalized on the popularity created by the inclusion of the
City of Vigan in the UNESCO List.

But apart fiom the City of Vigan, adjacent municipalities of Sto. Domingo, Sta. Catalina, Bantay,
San Ildefonso, San Vicente, Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal and Caoayan have potentials of
replicating the tourism attractiveness of the City of Vigan, Historical landmarks such as old churches,
buildings, and houses are scattered in these municipalities that a timely and a comprehensive cultural
mapping can help transform into another heritage/pilgrimage and religious tourism destination zone.
Given aiso the current interest focused on farm and eco-tourism as well as wellness and adventure sports
tourism, these cited municipalities can offer local and international tourists a menu of activities and
destination to choose from.

For the reasons cited above, it is respectfully sought that the approval of this measuyé be made.

tor ‘DV’ B. Savellano
Representativg, 1° District llocos Sur


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

4200
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Honorable Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITIES OF STO. DOMINGO, STA. CATALINA,
BANTAY, SAN ILDEFONSO, SAN VICENTE, SINAIT, CABUGAO, SAN JUAN,
MAGSINGAL AND CAOYAN, PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR AS TOURIST
DESTINATIONS, PROVIDING FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The municipalities of Sto. Domingo, Sta. Catalina, Bantay, San Ildefonso,
San Vicente, Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal and Caoayan, Province of Ilocos Sur are
hereby declared as tourist destinations. As such, their development shall be prioritized by the
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development
of tourist destinations.

SECTION 2. Within one year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in coordination
with the concerned local government units and government agencies, shall prepare a tourism
development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate
facilities and infrastructures as shall enhance tourism in these municipalities: Provided, That said
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of natural resources thereat.

SECTION 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the tourism development
plan that will suit the natural characteristics of the municipalities and shall incorporate the same
in its tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year.

It shall also be the responsibility of the DOT to promote the municipalities as tourist
destinations in all its national, regional and local promotion programs.


SECTION 4. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's program the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the General Appropriations
Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the
DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its proper implementation.

SECTION 6. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders or parts thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended accordingly.

SECTION 7. If any section or part of this is held unconstitutional, no other section or
provision shall be affected.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,