Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. JOSEPH “JOJO” L. LARA 
____________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to establish a “One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program (OTAP)” to 
promote tourism and sustainable tourism development throughout the country and 
promote economic growth among our local towns, municipalities and cities by 
implementing OTAP, through the assistance of national government agencies that 
would make it easier for local and foreign visitors to access the tourist spots, 
particularly in the countryside. Through this legislative measure, it is envisioned that 
tourism will be the key driver of local and national economic growth.  
Our country is abundant in beautiful natural landscapes – pristine beaches, waterfalls, 
caves, forests, unique rock and land formations and vibrant and colorful cultural 
heritage and traditions. It is replete with potential leisure, travel, holiday, and business 
destinations.  From all corners nationwide, so much beauty abounds in every nook 
and corner, even in the remotest of places. Unfortunately, many cities and 
municipalities have no programs for tourism development.   
By establishing a dedicated tourism program, it would create awareness of the various 
attractions that the Philippines has to offer.  It would serve as guidance that would 
encourage travel to tourist destinations. Moreover, consideration is given to the 
geographical location of the tourism site such that, easy accessibility, convenience, 
and safety of potential visitors are given utmost importance. 
Needless to say, the program, if pushed through, shall provide a sustainable source of 
income and opportunities for the local community of every city or municipality and 
help boost the local economy.   
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly requested.  
JOSEPH “JOJO” L. LARA 
July 2, 2025
9:06 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. JOSEPH “JOJO” L. LARA 
____________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A “ONE TOWN, ONE TOURIST ATTRACTION PROGRAM” TO 
PROMOTE TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1.  Short Title. –  This Act shall be known as the “One Town, One 
Tourist Attraction Program (OTAP) Act.” 
SECTION 2.  Declaration of Policy. –  In cognizance of the role of tourism 
as an indispensable element of national economy and an industry of national interest 
and importance, it is the declared policy of the State to promote tourism through 
policies and programs that drive inclusive local economic activity and boost national 
economic growth. Towards this end, the State shall encourage all cities and 
municipalities to develop potential tourist destinations and attractions that showcase 
beautiful and bountiful natural resources, and manmade attractions in the locality. 
SECTION 3.  Objectives. –  This Act aims to: 
(a) Help boost the local economy by developing at least one potential tourist
destination per city or municipality;
(b) Provide the necessary infrastructure to access and develop the tourist
destination, including the development of access roads to nearby areas for
other possible economic activities;
(c) Provide a free platform to promote and showcase or market the tourist
destination, including the creation of advertising or marketing materials
and technical support when necessary;
(d) Collaborate with tourism business owners in effectively marketing the
tourist destination and highlighting its most attractive and innovative
attributes;
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(e) Establish sustainability programs and institute mechanisms to preserve and 
protect tourist destinations; 
 
(f) Create a town tourism business model guidelines for local governments; 
and 
 
(g) Provide incentive packages to towns, individuals and business owners to 
encourage participation and create measures and strategies to entice 
tourists to visit local tourist destinations. 
 
SECTION 4.  One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program (OTAP). – 
There is hereby established a One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program (OTAP).  
OTAP is a stimulus program for the promotion and development of local tourism in the 
grassroots and countryside through the creation of tourist destinations and cultural 
attractions, particularly in the city or municipality without tourism program.  Cities and 
municipalities with existing tourism programs are entitled to rehabilitation package to 
maximize their tourism potentials. 
 
SECTION 5.  Program Components. – The Department of Tourism (DOT) 
Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH), Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT), and Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR), in partnership with the local government units, shall provide the 
following assistance to cities and municipalities: 
 
(a) Identification of tourist destinations and cultural attractions; 
 
(b) Creation of tourism action plan and program for the development of tourist 
destinations and cultural attractions; 
 
(c) Development of tourism roads leading to tourist destinations, including the 
development of surrounding road networks for future economic use;  
 
(d) Organization of workshops, seminars and capability building related to the 
potentials and opportunities of tourism for the residents;  
 
(e) Assistance in securing permits, establishment of parameters and creation 
of a system to protect their environment and preserve the culture and way 
of life of the locals amid the influx of tourists; and 
 
(f) Provision of marketing tools and platform for the promotion of the tourist 
destinations, both locally and internationally, including multimedia 
campaigns, and local and international travel fairs. 
 
SECTION 6.  Prioritization. –  The DOT and other agencies implementing 
OTAP shall prioritize cities and municipalities without tourism programs. 
 


 
 Cities or municipalities with natural tourist destinations such as caves, falls, 
rock formations, beaches and sanctuaries and manmade structures with potential 
tourist appeal, or cities or municipalities with unique and interesting cultural events 
and practices such as unique fiesta celebrations, food hubs, and parades expressing 
local culture may also receive appropriate assistance under the OTAP. 
 
SECTION 7.  Duties of Tourism Officers. –  The city or municipal tourism 
officer, in coordination with the city or municipal planning officer and city or municipal 
engineer shall: 
 
(a) Identify the potential tourist destination or cultural attraction that may be 
developed, improved, or rehabilitated; 
 
(b) Prepare a feasibility study and evaluation of the potential tourist destination 
or cultural attraction in terms of environmental safety, accessibility, 
marketability, cultural preservation, return of investment, and benefits or 
employment opportunities for the people in the locality; 
 
(c) Prepare the civil works plans, detailed estimate, and bill of materials for 
road networks and infrastructure projects to be undertaken in the 
development, rehabilitation or improvement of the identified potential or 
existing tourist attraction; and 
 
(d) Submit the development or rehabilitation plans or program to the DOT for 
funding assistance. 
 
Cities or municipalities with no existing tourism officer shall appoint a program 
officer to coordinate with the city or municipal planning officer and city or municipal 
engineer to carry out the duties under this Section. 
 
SECTION 8.  Duties of the DOT. – Pursuant to its mandate under Republic 
Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 1999,” the DOT shall perform 
the following duties:  
 
(a) Study the development or rehabilitation program submitted by a city or 
municipality, including the source of funds and alternative long-term or 
short-term financing from government financial institution or private 
sector; 
 
(b) Coordinate with the DPWH for the development or rehabilitation of tourism 
roads, buildings, and infrastructure projects; 
 
(c) Coordinate with the DENR for environmental protection and safety; and 
(d) Coordinate with the DICT for the advertisement, software technology, and 
other programs or tools needed in the marketing of tourist destinations or 
cultural attractions. 
 


 
SECTION 9.  Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the 
DOT. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the continued implementation 
of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 10.  Implementing Rules and Regulations. –  Within sixty (60) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Tourism shall, in coordination 
with the heads of other implementing agencies, promulgate the rules and regulations 
necessary for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 11.  Separability Clause. –  If any provision or part of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall 
remain in force and effect. 
 
SECTION 12.  Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, proclamations, 
issuances, or ordinances contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
amended, repealed, or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 13.  Effectivity. –  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,