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

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

842

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REP. KRISTINE ALIXIE B. TUTOR
THIRD DisTRICT, BOHOL,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The municipality of Candijay, Province of Bohol is a rising tourist destination in the Philippines.
Its dramatic scenery and natural tourist attractions beckon one the explore and relax to the slow rhythm
of rural life. Home to several natural resources such as the Canawa Sprint and Kawasihan Islet Sand
Bar, there are also potential eco-tourism destinations that are now attracting visitors. One such tourist
is the Kankoka Hills located in Barangay Cambane, Municipality of Candijay. It is a scenic site where
one can enjoy a panoramic view of Bohol’s Islands. From the view deck, the surrounding provinces of
Leyte and Camiguin Istands can be viewed. With the lack of needed development and promotion, the
tourism potential of the place has been largely untapped.

As part of the present administration's core program for the development of the country,
ecotourism is considered an important economic tool that will create a significant source of business
‘opportunities for the local community. The declaration of the Kankoka Hills as an ecotourism site will
develop the area into a fully grown tourist destination that will offer both local and foreign visitors a
glimpse of its natural beauty while insuring that it is managed in ways that are sustainable, pro-
community and pro-ecology.

REP. KRISTINE i B. TUTOR


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._842

INTRODUCED BY REP. KRISTINE ALIXIE B. TUTOR

THIRD DISTRICT, BOHOL

AN ACT
DECLARING KANKOKA HILLS, LOCATED IN BARANGAY CAMBANE,
MUNICIPALITY OF CANDIJAY, PROVINCE OF BOHOL, AN ECOTOURISM
DESTINATION

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

Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The Kankoka Hills, located in Barangay Cambane, Municipality of
Candijay, Province of Bohol, is hereby declared an ecotourism destination. Pursuant thereto, its
development shall be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to
the rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the municipal government of
Candijay shall, in coordination with the the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, and concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan that
shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
infrastructure to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall
ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area:
Provided, further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be

included in the budget of the municipal government of Candijay.


10

ou

12

3

14

15

16

7

SEC.3. The DOT shall assist the municipal government of Candijay in the implementation
of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building,
It shall also include the Kankoka Hills in its national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual

budget of the municipal government of Candijay.

The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), if
necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA"s program.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the municipal government
of Candijay shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government,
promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. Ifany provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other
provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, proclamations, presidential decrees,

and other issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed
‘or amended accordingly.
SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official

Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,