Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo. 2380

Introduced by Honorable Luz V. Mercado

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Internet Age has greatly contributed to the international exposure of
Southern Leyte as a world class tourist destination. Everybody can expect that

economic development pushed by the tourism industry will soon follow

However, the expected economic development has not taken off due to lack of
Infrastructure. To address this issue, it is essential for Southern Leyte to be declared as
a tourist zone. In this manner, the appropriate national govemment agencies can work together

to speed up the Infrastructure development of Southem Leyte

In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is hereby being eamestly sought.

Pyirnca &

LUZ V. MERCADO


Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

2380

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Honorable Luz V. Mercado

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE A
TOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Province of Southem Leyte is hereby declared a tourism zone. As

such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and shall be subject to the rules

and regulations governing the development of tourism zones.

SECTION 2. The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority and other concemed agencies of the government, shall prepare a
tourism development plan providing for the development, maintenance, improvement
and restoration of tourist sites, where appropriate, in conformity with set standards,
including the construction of hotels, resorts, restaurants, recreational facilities and other
appropriate facilities and infrastructure: Provided, That said development plan shall
ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of the area.


SECTION 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development
plan and incorporate the same in the Department's overall tourism development

program for the ensuing calendar year.

SECTION 4. Upon the promulgation of this Act, the DPWH, in coordination with
the DOT, shall implement the construction and improvement of roads and other
infrastructure necessary in the development of the Province of Southem Leyte, and

incorporate the same in the Department's infrastructure program.

SECTION §. The Secretary of the DOT and the Secretary of the DPWH 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 from
intemally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 6. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this
Act

SECTION 7. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations
or parts thereof which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act shall be

deemed repealed or modified accordingly,

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

Approved,