Declaring Hundred Islands National Park, as a Tourism Zone

Senate Difior of the seretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 26 MAY -6 P2:37 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. 2118 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING HUNDRED ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK, LOCATED IN THE CITY OF ALAMINOS, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, AS A TOURISM ZONE EXPLANATORY NOTE The Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) has long been recognized as one of the country's most treasured natural landmarks. On January 18, 1940, President Manuel L. Quezon issued Presidential Proclamation No. 667, declaring the group of islands in the then Municipality, now City, of Alaminos, Pangasinan, as the Hundred Islands National Park, for the benefit, enjoyment, and appreciation of the Filipino people. Since then, various laws and issuances have shaped the administration and development of HINP. On June 22, 1962, President Diosdado P. Macapagal signed Republic Act No. 3655, which created the Hundred Islands Conservation and Development Authority for the conservation, development, and management of the park. In 1974, President Ferdinand E. Marco, Sr. transferred the management of HINP, including Lucap Bay, to the Philippine Tourism Authority under Presidential Decree No. 564. Later, on April 27, 1982, Proclamation No. 2183 declared HINP, including Lucap Bay and its foreshore areas, as a Tourist Zone and Marine Reserve under the control and administration of the Philippine Tourism Authority. On June 21, 2005, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 436, transferring the administration, management, maintenance, and operation of HINP from the Philippine Tourism Authority to the City Government of Alaminos. This was made pursuant to Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which promotes the devolution of powers and authority from the National Government to local government units, consistent with the mandate of the Constitution. On September 29, 2005, the Philippine Tourism Authority formally

turned over the administration and operation of HINP to the City Government of Alaminos. Since the transfer, the City Government of Alaminos has introduced various development initiatives that have strengthened HINP's position as one of the premier tourist destinations in Region I. These efforts have significantly increased tourist arrivals and generated higher revenues for the local government. The growth of tourism has likewise contributed to the local economy by creating opportunities for Alaminians who have ventured into tourism-related businesses, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other support services. Despite these developments, the protection and preservation of HINP remain paramount. The City Government of Alaminos has continued to formulate and implement measures to safeguard the park from exploitation and abuse, ensuring that its natural resources, marine environment, and ecological integrity are preserved for future generations. Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009, provides for the rationalization of tourism areas, zones, and spots. While previous presidential issuances recognized the significance of HINP and placed its administration under appropriate authorities, no law has yet been enacted by Congress formally declaring HINP as a tourism zone. Thus, this bill seeks to declare the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP), located in the City of Alaminos, Province of Pangasinan, as a tourism zone under the administration, management, maintenance, and operation of the City Government of Alaminos. Such declaration will strengthen the legal basis for its continued development, promotion, protection, and sustainable management as a national tourism asset. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Free h. Marca AMEE R. MARCOS

Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES MAY -6 P2:37 First Regular Session SENAT 1 18 RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING HUNDRED ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK, LOCATED IN THE CITY OF ALAMINOS, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, AS A TOURISM ZONE Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Hundred Islands National Park as Tourism Zone. —

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 667, issued on January 18, 1940 by President Manuel L. Quezon, and Executive Order No. 436, issued on June 21, 2005 by President 4 Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP), located in the City of Alaminos, Province of Pangasinan, is hereby declared a tourism zone.

SEC. 2. Control and Supervision. - The City Government of Alaminos shall have

full control of the administration, supervision, management, maintenance, and operation of HINP.

SEC. 3. Creation of HINP Management Board. - Within one (1) year after the

approval of this Act, the HINP Management Board shall be created which shall serve as the policy-making body of HINP. It shall be composed of the following members: (a) Mayor of the City of Alaminos, as Chairperson; (b) Representative from the Department of Tourism (DOT), as Vice-Chairperson; (c) Congressional Representative of the First District of the Province of Pangasinan, or a duly authorized representative; (d) Governor of the Province of Pangasinan, or a duly authorized representative; (e) Representative from the Sangguniang Panlungsod; (f) Ten (10) Punong Barangays from the barangays within the coastal area of HINP;

(g) Representative from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture; (h) Representative from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development; (i) Representative from the Office of Civil Defense; 0) Three (3) representatives from non-government organizations; (k) Representative from the private sector within the geographical jurisdiction of HINP; and (1) Representative from the local colleges and universities in the City of Alaminos.

SEC. 4. Revenues. - All revenues and collections generated from the operation

of HINP shall accrue to the treasury of the City Government of Alaminos and shall be used solely for the management, maintenance, operation, and development of HINP.

SEC. 5. Role of the DOT. - The DOT shall assist the City Government of Alaminos

by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include HINP in its national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days after the

effectivity of this Act, the City Government of Alaminos shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared

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

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - 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. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

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