Municipality of San Fernando, Province of Romblon, a Tourism Development Area

CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES TWENTIETH CONGRESS First Regular Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H. No. 2928 BY REPRESENTATIVES MADRONA, CHAN (J.), SALVAME, ANGARA, ALVAREZ (J.), KHO (E.), TUAN, MIRAFLORES, HORIBATA, YAP (J.G.), AGYAO, ALANO, DALOG, MOMO, SINGSON CALDERON, YNARES, CORVERA, REGENCIA, CASTRO, GONZALES (A.M.), TUPAS, PLEYTO, BANCORO, RODRIGUEZ (E.), BELTRAN, DAZA, DEL MAR, GUINTU, BARBA, CAGAS, CAYTON, COLLANTES, ROMAN, ROQUE, UMALI AND SUAN AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON, A TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The Municipality of San Fernando, Province of Romblon, is hereby

declared a tourism development area (TDA).

SEC. 2. The San Femando TDA hereby includes the following areas within the

municipality, which are endowed with scenic landscapes and natural attractions, rich biodiversity, and historical significance: (a) Cresta de Gallo Island and Marine Sanctuary; (b) Bontangigue Reef Marine Sanctuary; (c) Lamao Lake; (d) Cantingas River Resort; (e) Busay Falls; (f) Bila-Bila Falls; (g) Lagting Falls;

(h) Dagubdub Falls; (i) Kweba Falls; 0) Panas Falls; (k) Olango Trail of Mt. Guiting-Guiting; (l) Punta Cauit Lighthouse; (m) Casa del San Fernando; and (n) Immediate environs of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria Church. Pursuant thereto, the development of these areas shall be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism destinations.

SEC. 3. Within one (I) year after the approval of this Act, the Municipal Government

of San Fernando shall, in coordination with 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 infrastructure and facilities to enhance tourism in the Municipality of San Fernando, particularly in identified areas for tourism development: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the areas: Provided, further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of the Municipal Government of San Fernando.

SEC. 4. The DOT shall assist the Municipal Government of San Fernando in the

implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include the Municipality of San Fernando in its national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 5. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual budget

of the Municipal Government of San Fernando. The DOT may augment such allocation with internally generated funds.

SEC. 6. Within sixty (60) days from

the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal Government of San Fernando shail, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 7. All laws, rules,

regulations, 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,