Barlig Tourism Development Area Act

CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES TWENTIETH CONGRESS First Regular Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H. No. 8570 BY REPRESENTATIVES DALOG, MADRONA, CHAN (J.), SALVAME, ANGARA, ALVAREZ (J.), KHO (E.), TUAN, MIRAFLORES, HORIBATA, YAP (J.G.), AGYAO, ALANO, MOMO, SINGSON (R.V.), 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 BARLIG IN MOUNTAIN PROVINCE AS A TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA 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 "Barlig Tourism Development

2 Area Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

4 promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, 5 culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitably beneficial to local communities. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms and 7 infrastructure for sustainable tourism development. It shall develop and promote certain areas

1 and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions in order to drive and propel inclusive 2 growth throughout the country.

SEC. 3. Scope and Coverage. - The Municipality of Barlig in Mountain Province is

4 hereby declared a tourism development area (TDA), and hereinafter referred to as the Barlig 5 TDA. The following areas within the municipality which are endowed with natural beauty, 6 pristine waters, mountain resources, and historical and cultural significance, shall be included 7 in the Barlig TDA and shall be developed as tourism destinations: (a) Mount Amuyao and the mountain range of Kadaclan; (b) Barlig Rice Terraces in Barangays Gawana, Fiangtin, Macalana, and Latang; (c) Kadaclan Rice Terraces in Barangays Lunas, Chupac, Kaleo, and Ogo-og; (d) Lias Rice Terraces and Challos Falls in Barangays Lias Silangan and Lias Kanluran; (e) Topnew and Lingoy Hot Springs and Lake Tufob in Barangay Lingoy; (f) Mornang Hot Spring, Mornang and Allob Falls, Siblaw Taraw Lake, and Wonderful Rock in Barangay Latang; (g) Lettang Burial Caves and Lettang, Moyopoyop, and Patyayan Falls in Barangay Lunas; (h) Or-or Falls in Barangay Kaleo; (1) Amfitayok Falls in Barangay Ogo-og; () Tokchag Falls in Barangay Gawana; (k) Lusong Fukian Kan Wikian Rock Formation in Barangay Fiangtin; and (I) Pangngor Chin Stone and Tomallan Waterfalls in Barangay Macalana. The development of the Barlig TDA shall be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism development areas.

SEC. 4. Municipal Tourism Council of Barlig. - The Municipal Tourism Council of

2 Barlig is hereby created, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall be the primary 3 policy-making, planning, and coordinating body in the development of tourism in the 4 Municipality of Barlig and administration of tourism sites thereat. The Council shall be composed of the following members: (a) Mayor of the Municipality of Barlig, as Chairperson; (b) Barangay Chairpersons of all barangays of the Municipality of Barlig, who shall elect from among themselves the Vice-Chairperson; (c) Member of the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Barlig who is duly designated by such body; (d) Regional and Provincial Directors of the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development; (e) Provincial Governor of Mountain Province, as ex officio member; (f) Representative of the Lone District of Mountain Province, as ex officio member; and (g) Two (2) representatives from the private sector, nominated by the private sector tourism industry organizations in the Municipality of Barlig and appointed by the Chairperson of the Council, who shall serve for a period of two (2) years. The Council shall have the following functions: (a) Ensure that constituencies, sectors, and groups, whose interests may be affected by the tourism development in the municipality, are given sufficient opportunities to be heard; (b) Pursue consultations with relevant sectors and constituents, conduct research, and engage the assistance of experts and other resource persons, as may be needed in the performance of its functions;

(c) Formulate programs and recommendations to develop local tourism facilities and attractions; (d) Assist in monitoring the implementation of Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, otherwise known as the "Local Government Code of 1991," on the matter of licensing of tourism establishments in the locality to ascertain safe and enjoyable stay of travelers; (e) Strictly enforce sanitary standards in public restrooms located in places frequented by passengers of public utility vehicles and tourism transport services, such as gasoline stations and restaurants along main highways and bus stops; (f) Appoint the Administrator of the Barlig Tourism Development Trust Fund; and (g) Perform any other duties in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The Council may create such committees as it may deem necessary, and provide for the functions and the memberships thereof to assist it in the proper and effective performance of its functions. The Council may call on the other government agencies and offices to provide advice and assistance on matters relating to the performance of its functions and the development of tourism in the Municipality of Barlig. The Municipal Government of Barlig shall establish and provide a secretariat to support the operations of the Council.

SEC. 5. Tourism Development Plan of Barlig. - Within one (1) year after the approval

of this Act, the Council shall, in coordination with the DOT, DENR, 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 area: Provided, That the tourism development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further, That the

1 implementation of the said development plan shall take into consideration Republic Act No. 2 7586, as amended, otherwise known as the "National Integrated Protected Areas System Act 3 of 1992": Provided, finally, That the implementation of the development plan shall be included 4 in the budget of the Municipal Government of Barlig.

SEC. 6. Role of the DOT. - The DOT shall assist the Municipal Government of Barlig

6 in the implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in 7 tourism capacity building. It shall also include the Municipality of Barlig in its national and 8 regional promotion programs.

SEC. 7. Barlig Tourism Development Trust Fund. - There is hereby established a

10 trust fund under this Act to be known as the Barlig Tourism Development Trust Fund for the 11 purpose of financing projects which shall enhance tourism in the municipality. Funds shall be 12 derived from fees collected from visitors, proceeds from the registration and lease of multiple- 13 use areas, including tourism concessions, fees, proceeds and contributions from industries and 14 facilities directly benefiting the municipality, and other resources from the Province. The Barlig Tourism Development Trust Fund may be augmented by grants and 16 donations, endowment from various sources, domestic or foreign entities and individuals, for 17 purposes related to their functions: Provided, That disbursements therefrom shall be in 18 accordance with existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, further, That 19 it shall not be used for personnel services. The Barlig Tourism Development Trust Fund shall be administered by a Trust Fund 21 Administrator who shall be under the supervision of the Municipal Tourism Council of Barlig.

SEC. 8. Appropriations. - The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be

23 included in the annual budget of the Municipal Government of Barlig. The DOT may augment such allocation with internally generated funds.

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the

2 effectivity of this Act, the Municipal Government of Barlig shall, in consultation with the DOT, 3 DENR, and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared

6 unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,

proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication

in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,