Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3120

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative JB BERNOS

AN ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF ABRA AS A PRIORITY TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT AREA, MANDATING THE INTEGRATED PROMOTION,
PROTECTION, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS NATURAL AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Tourism remains one of the Philippines’ most promising engines for inclusive and
sustainable development. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the
tourism industry contributed 6.2% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in
2022, a significant rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted travel
and hospitality sectors. As the country continues to recover, rural and heritage-
based tourism provides a unique opportunity to stimulate local economies, especially
in historically underserved regions like the Province of Abra.

Abra, situated in the Cordillera Admi
breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant indigenous cultures, and heritage sites of

istrative Region, is endowed with

both local and national significance. Attractions such as Kaparkan Falls, the St.
Catherine of Alexandria Church, and the historic Tangadan Tunnel are increasingly
gaining attention among eco-tourists and heritage travelers. The province is also
home to centuries-old Tingguian cultural traditions, weaving and bamboo crafts, and
the Kawayan Festival, which celebrates the province’s deep connection to its
environment and cultural identity.

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However, despite this rich potential, Abra remains largely excluded from
mainstream tourism circuits. The lack of integrated planning, limited access to
tourism infrastructure, and the absence of cultural preservation mechanisms have
hindered the province from unlocking the full socio-economic benefits that tourism
can offer. Many of Abra’s rural communities continue to grapple with poverty,
outmigration, and underemployment—challenges that a vibrant, community-based
tourism industry could directly address.

This bill seeks to declare Abra as a priority tourism development area and
institutionalize a comprehensive framework for the sustainable, inclusive, and
culturally rooted development of its tourism sector. The proposed measure will also
institutionalize and promote flagship events like the Kawayan Festival, which
showcases Abra’s identity as a leading bamboo-producing province and highlights
the role of local culture in tourism and economic development. By linking culture,
nature, and community participation, this bill envisions a resilient tourism economy
that generates jobs, uplifts local artisans and farmers, empowers indigenous peoples
and women, and fosters pride in Abra’s heritage and identity.

Tourism, when done right, does more than attract visitors—it creates
livelihoods, strengthens communities, and preserves legacies. This bill provides the
policy and programmatic foundation for Abra to hamess tourism as a driver of

inclusive progress and rural transformation.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

312

HOUSE BILL NO. _

Introduced by Representative JB BERNOS

AN ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF ABRA AS A PRIORITY TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT AREA, MANDATING THE INTEGRATED PROMOTION,
PROTECTION, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS NATURAL AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the "Abra Tourism and Cultural
Heritage Development Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote
inclusive, culturally rooted, and environmentally sustainable tourism. The Province
of Abra shall be recognized as a priority tourism development area, given its rich
cultural heritage, natural attractions, and potential to generate employment and
local economic growth.

SEC. 3, Abra as a Tourism and Cultural Heritage Area. The Province of Abra is
hereby declared as a Tourism and Cultural Heritage Area. Pursuant thereto, the

development of its tourism sites and the protection of its cultural heritage shall be
prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in coordination with other relevant
national government agencies, and shall be subject to the rules and regulations.

SEC. 4. Coverage. This Act shall apply to tourism and cultural heritage sites in the
Province of Abra, within the following categories:

(a) Ecotourism sites;

(b) Historical infrastructure;


(©) Ancestral homes of prominent people;
(a) Religious buildings and shrines;

(e) Local festivals and celebrations;

(9 Local industries of noteworthy cultural and economic significance; and
(@ Indigenous Tingguian cultural sites and practices.

SEC. 5. Abra Tourism Development Framework. The Department of Tourism
(DOT), in coordination with the Provincial Government of Abra, the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and other stakeholders, shall
formulate a 10-year Tourism and Heritage Development Framework Plan for the
province. The framework shall:

(a) Identify tourism development zones within Abra;

(o) Establish guidelines for ecotourism, heritage conservation, and cultural
protection;

(9 Assess and evaluate the potential impact of the development to the
environmental safety and well-being of the tourism and cultural heritage
zones, communities, and enterprises;

(a) Provide technical and financial assistance to the communities within the site;

(c) Promote sustainable infrastructure and visitor management;

(9 Institutionalize the annual Kawayan Festival as a flagship cultural event; and

(Perform other functions as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of
this Act.

SEC. 6. Cultural Mapping and Preservation. The NCCA and the Provincial
Government of Abra shall undertake a comprehensive cultural mapping project,
identifying sites, practices, and artifacts of historical and cultural value. A digital
and printed cultural map of Abra shall be produced and maintained.

SEC. 7, Infrastructure and Capacity Support. The Department of Public Works
and Highways (DPWH) shall prioritize road access to tourism zones. The DOT and
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shall provide training, accreditation, and
support to local tour guides, homestays, cooperatives, and MSMEs engaged in
tourism-related enterprises.


SEC. 8. Funding. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the current budget of the DOT, NCCA, and other concerned
agencies. Thereafter, such amounts as may be necessary shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act. Furthermore, the Provincial Government of Abra.
shall provide counterpart funding for the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the Provincial Government of
Abra, the NCCA, DTI, DPWH, and other relevant agencies, shall promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder shall not be affected thereby.

SEC. 11 Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules,
and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified

accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,