One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program (Otap) Act

TWEENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL -7 A10:45 SENATE RICE --- S. No. - Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING A "ONE TOWN, ONE TOURIST ATTRACTION PROGRAM"TO PROMOTE TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Tourism is a powerful engine for economic growth, employment generation and cuitural exchange. The Philippines is a country blessed with rich natural resources and vibrant cultural heritage, given this, there is much potential for tourism to be utilized in varied ways to uplift communities, especially those in rural and underserved areas. Despite this potential, however, many cities and municipalities remain untapped as viable tourist destinations due to the lack of infrastructure, marketing platforms, and coordinated development programs. In recognition of the indispensable role of tourism in national development, the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the State to promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services and promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all. In line with this, the Department of Tourism, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, is likewise tasked to develop a globally competitive tourism industry. The proposed "One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program Act" seeks to establish a grassroots-centered stimulus program for local tourism development. The neasure mandates every city and municipality to identify, develop, and promote at least one potential tourist destination or cultural attraction that reflects its natural

beauty, heritage, or unique traditions. Through coordinated assistance with various government agencies, the bill envisions the creation of access infrastructure, marketing platforms, sustainability mechanisms, and capacity-building programs. Outstandingly, the bill also provides for support in the rehabilitation of certain cities and municipalities with existing tourism programs to enhance their development potential. By institutionalizing the One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program, this measure aims to unlock the tourism potential of every locality, promote cultural pride, encourage inclusive economic development, generate jobs, and contribute to national progress. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Camerasmun CAMILLE VILLAR

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL -7 A10:45 SENATE RiC S. No. 188 Introduced by SENATOR CAMILLE VILLAR AN ACT PAROTE TOURA SM AND SUS, ANAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ANT APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "One Town, One Tourist

Attraction Program (OTAP) Act".

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - In cognizance of the role of tourism as an

indispensable element of national economy and an industry of national interest and importance, it is the declared policy of the State to promote tourism through policies and programs that drive inclusive local economic activity and boost national economic growth. Towards this end, the State shall encourage all cities and municipalities to develop potential tourist destinations and attractions that showcase beautiful and bountiful natural resources, and manmade attractions in the locality.

SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act aims to:

(a) Help boost the local economy by developing at least one potential tourist destination per city or municipality;

(b) Provide the necessary infrastructure to access and develop the tourist destination, including the development of access roads to nearby areas for other possible economic activities; (c) Provide a free platform to promote and showcase or market the tourist destination, including the creation of advertising or marketing materials and technical support when necessary; (d) Collaborate with tourism business owners in effectively marketing the tourist destination and highlighting its most attractive and innovative attributes; (e) Establish sustainability programs and institute mechanisms to preserve and protect tourist destinations; (1) Create a town tourism business model guidelines for local governments; and (g) Provide incentive packages to towns, individuals and business owners to encourage participation and create measures and strategies to entice tourists to visit local tourist destinations.

SEC. 4. One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program (OTAP). - There is hereby

established a One Town, One Tourist Attraction Program (OTAP). OTAP is a stimulus program for the promotion and development of local tourism in the grassroots and countryside through the creation of tourist destinations and cultural attractions, particularly in the city or municipality without tourism program. Cities and municipalities with existing tourism programs are entitled to rehabilitation package to maximize their tourism potentials.

SEC. 5.

Program Components. - The Department of Tourism (DOT) Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH), Department of Information and

1 Communications Technology (DICT), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with the local government units, shall provide the following assistance to cities and municipalities: (a) Identification of tourist destinations and cultural attractions; (b) Creation of tourism action plan and program for the development of tourist destinations and cultural attractions; Development of tourism roads leading to tourist destinations, (c) including the development of surrounding road networks for future economic use; (d) Organization of workshops, seminars and capability building related to the potentials and opportunities of tourism for the residents; (e) Assistance in securing permits, establishment of parameters and creation of a system to protect their environment and preserve the culture and way of life of the locals amid the influx of tourists; and (f) Provision of marketing tools and platform for the promotion of the tourist destinations, both locally and internationally, including multimedia campaigns, and local and international travel fairs.

SEC. 6. Prioritization. - The DOT and other agencies implementing OTAP shall

prioritize cities and municipalities without tourism programs. Cities or municipalities with natural tourist destinations such as caves, falls, rock formations, beaches and sanctuaries and manmade structures with potential tourist appeal, or cities or municipalities with unique and interesting cultural events 25 and practices such as unique fiesta celebrations, food hubs, and parades expressing local culture may also receive appropriate assistance under the OTAP.

SEC. 7. Duties of Tourism Officers. - The city or municipal tourism officer, in

coordination with the city or municipal planning officer and city or municipal engineer 30 shall: (a) Identify the potential tourist destination or cultural attraction that may be developed, improved, or rehabilitated;

(b) Prepare a feasibility study and evaluation of the potential tourist destination or cultural attraction in terms of environmental safety, accessibility, marketability, cultural preservation, return of investment, and benefits or employment opportunities for the people in the locality; (c) Prepare the civil works plans, detailed estimate, and bill of materials for road networks and infrastructure projects to be undertaken in the development, rehabilitation or improvement of the identified potential or existing tourist attraction; and (d) Submit the development or rehabilitation plans or program to the DOT for funding assistance. Cities or municipalities with no existing tourism officer shall appoint a program officer to coordinate with the city or municipal planning officer and city or municipal engineer to carry out the duties under this Section.

SEC. 8. Duties of the DOT. - Pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act No.

9593, otherwise known as "The Tourism Act of 1999," the DOT shall perform the following duties: (a) Study the development or rehabilitation program submitted by a city or municipality, including the source of funds and alternative long-term or short-term financing from government financial institution or private sector; (b) Coordinate with the DPWH for the development or rehabilitation of tourism roads, buildings, and infrastructure projects; (c) Coordinate with the DENR for environmental protection and safety; and (d) Coordinate with the DICT for the advertisement, software technology, and other programs or tools needed in the marketing of tourist destinations or cultural attractions.

SEC. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation

of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the DOT. Thereafter,

1 such amount as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall 2 be included in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from

5 the effectivity of this Act, the DOT Secretary shall, in coordination with the heads of other implementing agencies, promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the 7 effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared

invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain 11 in force and effect.

SEC. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, proclamations, issuances, or

ordinances contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are amended, 15 repealed, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

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