Bill declares Albay municipality as ecotourism zone
- Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=1&rid=821823
- Saturday, October 31, 2015
- (PNA), RMA/PR/PJN
MANILA, Oct. 31 (PNA) -- A lawmaker has proposed to declare the Municipality of Jovellar in the province of Albay as an ecotourism zone to generate investment and foreign exchange in the area.
Rep. Fernando V. Gonzalez (3rd District, Albay) said House Bill 5967 will fast track the recognition of the municipality’s hidden wonders and also provide employment opportunities for local residents.
In filing the measure, Gonzalez cited Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 declaring tourism as an indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national interest and importance, which must be harnessed as an engine of socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and employment and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all Filipinos.
Gonzalez, a vice-chairperson of the House Committees on Bicol Recovery and Economic Development and Transportation, said the Municipality of Jovellar offers tremendous tourism potential such as the Sigpit/Quitanday Falls, caves and underground river and the Quipia River that runs all the way to butanding-famous Donsol in Sorsogon.
“Developing Jovellar into an ecotourism zone will generate investment and foreign exchange in the area and will also provide employment opportunities for local residents. With the influx of tourists, the ecotourism zone will be significant source of business opportunities,” Gonzalez said.
However, Gonzalez said the lack of sufficient lodging and retail facilities and round-the-clock public transportation hinder the socio-economic and environmental development of the area.
Gonzalez said all these problems will be properly addressed once the Municipality of Jovellar becomes an ecotourism zone.
Under the bill, the declaration of Jovellar as an ecotourism zone shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT), and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist zones.
The DOT, in coordination with the local government units (LGUs) concerned, and other concerned agencies of the government, is directed to prepare a development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate faculties and infrastructure, which shall enhance tourism in the area.
The development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the area.
Also, consideration must be given to the formulation, development and implementation of programs and strategies that will generate livelihood and employment opportunities for the local inhabitants of the area.
The DOT is likewise mandated to implement the tourism development plan that will suit the natural characteristics of the area and shall incorporate the same in the overall development plans and programs for national implementation.
It shall be the responsibility of the DOT to promote Jovellar as a tourism area in all its natural, regional and local promotion programs.