Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES { 27UAN 20154)
Quezon City i pga
16" CONGRESS

First Regular Session

5356

HOUSE BILL NO,,

Introduced by Representative REGINA ONGSIAKO REYES
Lone District, Marinduque

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Marinduque, known as the smallest province in the Southern Tagalog Region is
believed to be located almost at the center of the Philippines. The province is a heart-shaped
island which features majestic landscapes and seascapes, historical and cultural wonders,
colorful traditions and festivities, and especially a rich natural environment. According to the
2010 Census of the National Statistics Office (NSO), Marinduque features a total land area of
95,258 hectares and a population of 227,828. Despite being small in size, Marinduque promises
an unforgettable experience for all those who wish to discover its mysterious but magnificent
beauty.

Recognized for its Moriones Lenten Tradition, visitors will surely enjoy the province's
colorful and amazing festivities - the “Gigantes” Of Gasan, the “Kanga” Carabao Of Mogpog,
the “Ati-Atihan” in Sta, Cruz, the “Tubaan” Of Torrijos and Buenavista. Along with its
ancestral traditions and festivals, Marinduque also takes pride with its wonderful environment
- seas teeming with abundant marine life with vast stretches of fine white beaches, luxuriant
forests abounding with flora and fauna, invigorating sulfur and hot springs, ravishing waterfalls
and enigmatic caves, all of these are just waiting for people seeking adventure or just for rest
and recreation.

A land immersed in antiquity and unique cultural heritage, Marinduque has stood
witnessed to several important events in the Philippines’ history. Landmarks had been
constructed in honor of the Battle of Paye in Boac and the indomitable Battle of Pulang Lupa
in Torrijos, where Marinduquefios took part in the triumph against the American colonizers,
showing the undying force and tenacity of the Filipino Spirit to the world.

With all these blessings vested into the province, it is inexcusable to see that the tourism
arrivals remains to be low every year. With the marvels that Marinduque can offer, there is a
need for the National Government and its instrumentalities to provide assistance to conserve,
develop and sustain these valuable assets. Tourism is also the outery of Marinduquefios who
have been victimized by years of irresponsible mining. The development of the province’s


tourism industry is seen as a panacea to the socio-economic damages brought about by the
Marcopper Mining Disaster of 1996.

Since 1995, the province still remains to be classified as a 4" income province in Region
IV-B!, Furthermore, in a survey done by the Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS)
‘on 2008, 24,023 out of 49,919 households (48.1%) were considered income poor. Meaning,
about 5 in every 10 households in Marinduque is living below the poverty line, Moreover,
2,536 out of 49,919 households (5.196) have suffered food shortage for the past three months.?
‘These statistics further attest that Marinduque undeniably needs all available resources and
support for the development of its tourism industry as this is essential for the advancement and
realization of inclusive growth in the province.

‘This Bill seeks to (1) create a Tourism Development Plan for Marinduque that will be
incorporated with the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) National Tourism Development plan.
(2) identify Tourism Development Areas in the province in cooperation with the DOT and
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other concerned
government agencies. (3) create the Marinduque Tourism Council. (4) construct and improve
roads and other infrastructures that is deemed necessary by the Department of Public Works
and Highways in coordination with DOT.

With the enactment of this bill, it is hoped that Marinduque will be given
chance to meet the challenge of ASEAN 2015.

fighting

In view of the foregoing, the enactment of this bill into law is earnestly sought.

REGINA ONGSIAKO REYES

3 NSO- MIMAROPA Regional Physical Framework Plan, 2004-2030
2 pEP-CMBS Network Office (2011). The many faces of Poverty: Vol 2. Community Based Monitoring System,
pp. 95-138


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

16" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, _9398

Introduced by Representative REGINA ONGSIAKO REYES.
Lone District, Marinduque

AN ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE AS A TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT AREA, CREATING THE MARINDUQUE TOURISM COUNCIL,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Title. ~ This act shall be known as “An Act Declaring the Province of
Marinduque as a Tourism Development Area (TDA)”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative,
culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local communities.

SECTION 3. Scope and Coverage. - The Tourism Development Areas in the Province
of Marinduque hereby include, but not limited to, its municipalities endowed with natural
beauty, small islands, waterfalls, beaches, sea and mountain resources, historical and natural
landmarks, indigenous communities and other areas of interest to the tourism industry.

‘As such, it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing tourism zones.

SECTION 4. Tourism Development Plan of Marinduque. ~ The Tourism Development
Plan of the Province of Marinduque shall be incorporated in the DOT's overall National
‘Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as
the “National Tourism Act of 2009” and be jointly implemented with the local government and


the Provincial Tourism Council of Marinduque taking into consideration Republic Act No.
7586, otherwise known as the “National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992” and
its implementing rules and regulations.

‘The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other
concerned agencies of the government, shall delineate well defined geographic areas within the
TDA and coordinate the integrated development of these areas for the optimum use of natural
assets and attractions, as well as existing facilities.

‘The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with the
DOT and the Provincial Tourism Council, shall set forth in place the necessary construction
and/or improvement of roads and other infrastructure upon the promulgation of this Act and
incorporate it in its infrastructure program.

SECTION 5. Creation of Marinduque Tourism Council. The Provincial Governor shall
create a Provincial Tourism Council which may be composed of government and private sector
representatives. The Council shall have the following responsibilities:

a) Formulate programs and recommendations to develop local tourism facilities and
attractions tapping local resources and funds;

b) Assist in the regulation and supervision of tourism-oriented establishments thereby
ensuring wholesome and clean tourism activities;

¢) Assist in monitoring the implementation of the Local Government Code on the matter
of licensing of tourism establishments in the locality to ascertain safe and enjoyable
stay of travelers;

4) Strictly enforce sanitary standards in public restrooms frequented by public utility
vehicles and tourist transport services, i.e. gasoline stations, restaurants along main
highways and bus stops; and

©) Any other duties in accordance with the Department of Interior and Local
Government's (DILG) Guidelines.

SECTION 6. Marinduque Tourism Development Trust Fund. There is hereby
established a trust fund under this Act to be known as the Marinduque Tourism Development
‘Trust Fund for purposes of financing projects which shall enhance tourism in the Province of
Marinduque. The trust fund shall be administered by a trust fund administrator under the
Provincial Tourism of Marinduque. Income shall be derived from fees from visitors/tourists,
other resources from the province, proceeds from the registration and lease of multiple-use
areas, including tourism concessions, fees, proceeds from the registration and lease of multiple-
use areas, including tourism concessions, fees, proceeds and contributions from industries and
facilities directly benefitting the province.

‘The Marinduque Tourism Development Fund may be augmented by grants and
donations, endowment from various sources, domestic or foreign entities and individuals, for
purposes related to their functions: Provided, further, That disbursements therefrom shall be in


accordance with existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, further, That
the fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. - The Secretary of the DOT, Secretary of the DENR and
the Secretary of 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/or charged against the internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. ~ Any provision of this Act or part hereof that may
be declared unconstitutional shall not affect the effectivity of the other provisions.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. — 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.

SECTION 10. Efectivity, - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion
of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspaper of general circulation,

APPROVED.