Isabela Tourism Council

Senate « Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 FEB -4 P4:03 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1745 S. B. No. _ Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT IDENTIFYING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE PROVINCE OF ISABELA, MANDATING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, CREATING THE ISABELA TOURISM COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE As recognized under Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009, tourism is a vital instrument towards inclusive growth, regional development, and cultural preservation. When properly planned, supported, and managed, it generates employment, stimulates local economies, strengthens community participation, and contributes to sustainable income-generating activities that promote long-term economic resilience. The Province of Isabela, the largest province in the Cagayan Valley Region and among the largest in the country in terms of land area, possesses a diverse range of natural, historical, and cultural assets that remain underdeveloped. From protected landscapes and forest reserves to heritage sites and major infrastructure landmarks, Isabela holds significant potential to emerge as a major tourism destination in Northern Luzon. However, the lack of an institutionalized tourism development framework has limited the province's ability to fully maximize these resources. This bill seeks to address the gap by identifying tourism development areas in the Province of Isabela and establishing mechanisms for planning, infrastructure development, and regulation, including the creation of the Isabela Tourism Council to oversee policy formulation and coordination with concerned national agencies and local government units. It promotes sustainable, inclusive, and community-centered tourism that shall strengthen local governance, encourage responsible investment, and align provincial initiatives with national development goals. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. Fice h. Marca IMEE R. MARCOS

Seitate Office of the Sec crate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FEB -4 P4:03 First Regular Session SENATE S. B. No. 1745 RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT IDENTIFYING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE PROVINCE OF ISABELA, MANDATING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, CREATING THE ISABELA 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. 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. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms and infrastructure for sustainable tourism development. It shall develop and promote certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions in order to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country. Pursuant thereto, all areas within the Province of Isabela endowed with natural beauty or historical and cultural significance, with either existing or potential integrated leisure facilities developed for one or more tourism purpose, shall be considered tourism development areas.

SEC. 2. Identification and Declaration of Tourism Sites. - Areas in the Province

of Isabela that have potential for tourism shall be declared as ecotourism, cultural heritage tourism, health and wellness tourism, general leisure tourism, or mixed use tourism sites after consultation with the Department of Tourism (DOT): Provided, that areas in environmentally protected areas shall not be declared tourism sites without consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The survey and verification of the areas shall be conducted by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, in coordination with the Provincial Government of Isabela.

SEC. 3. Isabela Tourism Council. - There is hereby created the Isabela Tourism

Council, hereinafter referred to as Council, which shall be the primary policy-making, planning and coordinating body in the development of tourism in the Province of

Isabela and the administration of tourism sites therein. It shall be composed of the following members: (a) Provincial Governor of Isabela, as Chairperson; (b) Municipal Mayors of all the municipalities and cities of the Province of Isabela, who shall elect from among themselves the Council's Vice Chairperson; (c) Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Isabela, duly designated by such body; and (d) Two (2) representatives from the private sector, appointed by the Chairperson of the Council, who shall serve for a period of two (2) years. The Provincial Government of Isabela shall provide a Secretariat for the Council including the funding necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its official functions and activities.

SEC. 4. Functions of the Council. - The Council shall have the following

functions: (a) Identify and declare areas as tourism sites; (b) Formulate programs and recommendations and manage local resources and funds to develop local tourism facilities and attractions; (c) Assist in the regulation and supervision of tourism-oriented establishments, thereby ensuring wholesome and clean tourism activities; (d) Assist in monitoring the implementation of the Local Government Code on the licensing of tourism establishments in the locality to ascertain safe and enjoyable stay of travelers; (e) Strictly enforce health and sanitary standards in public restrooms frequented by public utility vehicles and tourist transport services, i.e., gasoline stations and restaurants along main highways and bus stops; and (f) Perform any other duties in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

SEC. 5. Isabela Tourism Development Plan. - The DOT shall, in coordination

with the Council and concerned local government units (LGUs) and agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan for the province of Isabela and incorporate the same in its overall tourism development plan pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the "Tourism Act of 2009." The development plan shall be jointly implemented with the concerned LGUs and the Council. The concerned LGUs shall, in coordination with the DOT, DENR, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, delineate well defined geographic areas within the tourism sites and coordinate the integrated development of these sites for the optimal use of natural assets and attractions, as well as of existing facilities: Provided, that said development plan shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of the areas.

Upon the promulgation of this Act, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall, in coordination with the DOT and the Council, implement the construction and improvement of roads and other infrastructure necessary in the development of tourism sites and shall incorporate the same in its infrastructure program.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. - The Secretaries of DOT, DPWH, DENR, and the

Department of Transportation (DOTr) 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 shall augment such allocation with internally generated funds of the DOT.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the

effectivity of this Act, the Council shall, in consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, DOTr, the National Economic and Development Authority and other concerned government agencies and stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of

this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive

order, letter of instruction, administrative order, proclamation, charter, rule or regulation and/or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,