Scunte •Office of the Serretarp 26 MAR -9 P3:30 TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S.B. No. 1941 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III AN ACT DECLARING THE MINOR BASILICA AND NATIONAL SHRINE OF MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS, LOCATED IN BARANGAY DON BOSCO, PARAÑAQUE CITY, A HERITAGE SITE AND TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE According to Republic Act 9593 or The Tourism Act of 2009 states that The State decares tourism as an indispensable element of the national econom y an industry of national interest and importance, which must be harnessed as an engine of socioeconomic growth and cultural affirmation. Consistent with the statutory mandate, this bill seeks to declare the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians in Barangay Don Bosco, Paranaque a tourist destination and a cultural heritage site. This entails the Department of Tourism in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone and other relevant agencies to prepare and implement a comprehensive development plan to improve accessibility, infrastructure, and visitor security. This proposal advances legitimate secular objectives of cultural promotion and tourism development in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws. As such, passage of this Act is earnestly sought VICENTE C. SOTTO III
Senate Office of the Settetary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE } REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES } First Regular Session } 26 MAR -9 P3:30 S.B. TV. 1941 RECEIVED BY: INTRODUCED BY SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III AN ACT DECLARING THE MINOR BASILICA AND NATIONAL SHRINE OF MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS, LOCATED IN BARANGAY DON BOSCO, PARANAQUE CITY, A HERITAGE SITE AND TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Declaring the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of
Mary, Help of Christians as a Heritage site and Tourist Destination- The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, located in Barangay Don Bosco, Parañaque City is hereby declared a tourist destination. As such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and other concerned agencies subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of heritage site and tourist destinations.
Section 2. Preparation of a Tourism Development Plan- Within
one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other concerned agencies of the government shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall improve the overall features of the area surrounding the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, thereby ensuring its accessibility and the security of the faithful and tourists; Provided, That the development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the historical and cultural significance of the area.
Section 3. Implementation and Integration into the National
Tourism Development Plan - The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall take immediate steps to implement the appropriate tourism development plan for the Minor Basilica and National Shrine
of Mary, Help of Christians and its immediate environs and shall 2 incorporate the same in the National Tourism Development Plan. 3 Section 4. Funding and Inclusion in the DOT Program- The Secretary of the DOT shall include in its program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.
Section 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations- Within sixty (60)
days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in consultation with the local government unit of Paranaque City, shall issue rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.
Section 6. Appropriations- Funds necessary for the implementation of this
Act shall be charged to the current appropriations of the DOT.
Section 7. Effectivity- This Act shall take effect immediately following
the completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in a of general circulation. newspaper Approved,