An Act Declaring Tourism Development Areas in the Province of Camiguin, Organizing the Camiguin Tourism Council and Mandating Support for Tourism Development in the Province of Camiguin

Sixteenth Congress
Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-seventh day of July, two thousand fifteen.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 10907

An Act Declaring Tourism Development Areas in the Province of Camiguin, Organizing the Camiguin Tourism Council and Mandating Support for Tourism Development in the Province of Camiguin

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Camiguin Tourism Development Act".

Section 2. 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 promote and develop certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having potential for tourism in order to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country.

Section 3. Scope and Coverage. - The ecotourism sites in the Province of Camiguin hereby include, but not limited to, the following ecotourism sites in its municipalities endowed with natural beauty and historic significance:

Section 4. Identification and Declaration of Other Sites as Ecotourism Sites. - Other areas in the Province of Camiguin that have potential for tourism such as springs, waterfalls, streams, lakes and other bodies of water, beaches, marine areas, mountains, forests, historical or cultural sites and other natural or man-made sites and attractions that may be of interest to tourists, shall be included among the ecotourism sites under this Act after consultation with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the conduct of a survey and verification by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Camiguin, and their declaration as an ecotourism site by the Camiguin Tourism Council.

Section 5. Camiguin Tourism Council -

Section 6. Tourism Development Plan of Camiguin. - The Tourism Development Plan of the Province of Camiguin shall be incorporated in the DOT’s overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as "The National Tourism Act of 2009", and be jointly implemented with the local government and of the Camiguin Tourism Council, taking into consideration Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the "National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992" and Republic Act No. 9072, otherwise known as the "National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act". The DOT may offer technical assistance in terms of development planning, training and promotions.

The concerned local government unit (LGU), in coordination with the DOT, TIEZA and DENR shall delineate well defined geographic areas within the ecotourism sites and coordinate the integrated development of these sites for the optimum use of natural assets and attractions, as well as existing facilities: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of the area.

The Province of Camiguin covers some protected areas; as such, low impact tourism developments such as the construction of basic facilities and amenities like comfort rooms, kiosks, picnic areas may be allowed. Mass tourism, high impact activities and construction of large infrastructure such as accommodation and games and amusement establishments should be implemented outside the protected areas.

The DPWH and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), including the latter’s attached agencies, in coordination with the DOT and the Council, shall prioritize the construction and improvement of the necessary infrastructure to support tourism development in Camiguin and incorporate in their annual infrastructure programs.

Section 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - The Camiguin Tourism Council, after due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, DOTC, NEDA, and other stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity: Provided, That the law shall take effect after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR.

Section 8. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, DOTC and LGU shall include in its Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended accordingly.

Section 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

FRANKLIN M. DRILON
President of the Senate

FELICIANO BELMONTE, JR.
Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was passed by the House of Representatives on May 19, 2015, amended by the Senate on May 23, 2016, and which amendments were concurred in by the House of Representatives on June 6, 2016.

OSCAR G. YABES
Secretary of the Senate

MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP
Secretary General
House of Representatives

Approved: July 21, 2016

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO, III
President of the Philippines