Republic Act No. 10907: Camiguin Tourism Development Act

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:

(a)Mount Timpoong Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument located within the municipalities of Mambajao, Catarman, Sagay, and Mahinog, with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 09 34.43, East Longitude = 124 23 11.44, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.78 45W., with a distance of 1,419.29 meters and ending at a point marked "28-1", bearing S.82 12W., with a distance of 671.20 meters and covering an area of 22,041 square meters.

(b)Ecotourism sites in the Municipality of Mambajao (1) White Island with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 15 35.55, East Longitude = 124 39 15.53, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.81 33W., with a distance of 6,557.17 meters and ending at a point marked "9-1", bearing S.22 31E., with a distance of 12.66 meters and covering an area of 5,557 square meters.

(2)Katibawasan Falls with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 12 52.33, East Longitude = 124 42 58.92, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing S.04 05E., with a distance of 4,068.6 meters and ending at a point marked "9-1", with a distance of 7.45 meters and covering an area of 1,319 square meters.

(3)Tangub Hot Spring with coordinates. North Latitude = 9 13 20.69, East Longitude = 124 38 17.34, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing S.69 06W., with a distance of 8,890.99 meters and ending at a point marked "6-1", bearing S.55 09W., with a distance of 42.06 meters and covering an area of 3,440 square meters.

(4)Sa-ay Cold Spring with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 13 20.69, East Longitude = 124 38 17.34, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing S.21 04W., with a distance of 3,392.79 meters and ending at a point marked "15-1", bearing N.88 21E., with a distance of 59.61 meters and covering an area of 4,439 square meters.

(5)Ardent Hibok-Hibok Hot Spring with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 13 42.68, East Longitude = 124 41 11.39, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing S.50 06W., with a distance of 3,900.15 meters and ending at a point marked "13-1", bearing N.13 44E., with a distance of 25.18 meters and covering an area of 44,600 square meters.

(c)Ecotourism sites in the Municipality of Mahinog (1) Magsaysay Island, more popularly known as Mantigue Island with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 10 22.82, East Longitude = 124 49 15.77, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.65 00E., with a distance of 4,228.20 meters and ending at a point marked "11-12", bearing N.72 23E., with a distance of 29.75 meters and covering an area of 54,411 square meters.

(2)Taguines Lagoon with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 08 11.34, East Longitude = 124 47 34.29, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing S.16 45E., with a distance of 2,176.36 meters and ending at a point marked "22-23", bearing .04 16E., with a distance of 24.56 meters and covering an area of 197,247 square meters.

(3)Macao Cold Spring with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 11 50.98, East Longitude = 124 46 25.54, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.17 58W., with a distance of 4,874.63 meters and ending at a point marked "10-1", bearing S.72 43W., with a distance of 26.40 meters and covering an area of 1,290 square meters.

(4)Queobe Eco Park with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 07 56.39, East Longitude = 124 47 42.56, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.55 40E., with a distance of 76.01 meters and ending at a point marked "28-1", bearing N.24 50E., with a distance of 22.64 meters and covering an area of 34,639 square meters.

(d)Ecotourism sites in the Municipality of Catarman (1) Sto. Nino Cold Spring with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 09 06.01, East Longitude = 124 40 20.72, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing S.72 50E., with a distance of 127.09 meters and ending at a point marked "15-1", bearing N.03 02E., with a distance of 62.70 meters and covering an area of 4,655 square meters.

(2)Bura Soda Water Spring with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 10 19.40, East Longitude = 124 39 19.62, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.19 28E., with a distance of 425.44 meters and ending at a point marked "13-1", bearing N.22 04W., with a distance of 8.54 meters and covering an area of 3,616 square meters.

(3)Sunken Cemetery with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 12 29.1, East Longitude = 124 37 53.07, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.78 01W., with a distance of 867.80 meters and ending at a point marked "9-1", bearing S.67 38E., with a distance of 79.84 meters and covering an area of 58,546 square meters.

(4)Catarman Church Ruins, also known as the Old Church Ruins or the Guiob Church Ruins with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 12 11.07, East Longitude = 124 37 57.99, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing S.63 14W., with a distance of 937.30 meters and ending at a point marked "10-1", bearing N.42 14W., with a distance of 48.33 meters and covering an area of 329,828 square meters.

(5)Walkway to Mount Vulcan Daan, also known as the Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 -12 46.25, East Longitude = 124-38-14.49, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.26 50W., with a distance of 737.89 meters and ending at a point marked "15-1", bearing N.78 59W., with a distance of 113.82 meters and covering an area of 329,828 square meters.

(6)Tuasan Falls with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 10 42.55, East Longitude = 124 40 45.99, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.25 57E., with a distance of 1,980.25 meters and ending at a point marked "9-1", bearing N.40-18E., with a distance of 19.13 meters and covering an area of 3,322 square meters.

(e)Ecotourism sites in the Municipality of Sagay (1) Binangawan Falls with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 09 44.89, East Longitude = 124 44 01.74, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.10 15E., with a distance of 6,291.20 meters and ending at a point marked "4-1", bearing S.31 13E., with a distance of 194.96 meters and covering an area of 196,867 square meters.

(2)Langojanan Ki Inggoy with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 06 36.14, East Longitude = 124 44 23.75, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.77 42E., with a distance of 1,834.39 meters and ending at a point marked "6-1", bearing S.88 33W., with a distance of 7.15 meters and covering an area of 2,959 square meters.

(3)Pamunglo Spring with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 07 13.66, East Longitude = 124 44 23.75, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing N.20 41E., with a distance of 12.69 meters and ending at a point marked "12-1", bearing N.66 38W., with a distance of 45.39 meters and covering an area of 2,288 square meters.

(f)Eco tourism sites in the Municipality of Guinsiliban (1) Moro Watch Tower with coordinates, North Latitude = 09 05 57.54, East Longitude = 124 47 05.60, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing S.78 43E., with a distance of 99.41 meters and ending at a point marked "4-1", bearing S.16 -27E., with a distance of 3.39 meters and covering an area of 100 square meters.

(2)Mount Ilihan with coordinates, North Latitude = 9 05 33.91, East Longitude = 124 46 00.51, beginning at a point marked cor "1", bearing S.68 38W., with a distance of 2,041.72 meters and ending at a point marked "7-1", bearing N.49 53W., with a distance of 77.85 meters and covering an area of 41,126 square meters.

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

(a)There is hereby organized the Camiguin Tourism Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall be the primary policy-making, planning and coordinating body in the development of tourism in Camiguin and administration of ecotourism sites therein. The Council, which shall convene upon the effectivity of this Act, shall be composed of:

(1)The Provincial Governor of Camiguin, as Chairperson;

(2)The municipal mayors of all the municipalities of Camiguin, who shall elect from among themselves the Councils Vice Chairperson;

(3)A member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camiguin, duly designated by such body; and (4) Two (2) representatives from the private sector, nominated by the private sector tourism industry organizations in Camiguin and appointed by the Chairperson of the Council, who shall serve for a period of two (2) years. The Council may create such committees and provide for the functions and the memberships thereof to assist it in the proper and effective performance of its functions.

(b)In order to provide assistance and support to the Council in the performance of its functions, the following shall serve as advisors:

(1)The Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA);

(2)The Regional Director of the DOT for Region X;

(3)The Regional Director of the DENR for Region X;

(4)The Regional Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for Region X; and (5) The Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for Region X. The Council may call on other government agencies and offices to provide advice and assistance on matters relating to the performance of its functions and the development of tourism in Camiguin.

(c)The Council shall ensure that constituencies, sectors and groups, whose interests may be affected by the tourism development in Camiguin, are given sufficient opportunities to be heard. The Council shall pursue consultations with relevant sectors and constituencies, conduct research, and engage the services and assistance of experts and other resource persons, as may be needed in the performance of its functions.

(d)The Provincial Government of Camiguin shall provide a Secretariat for the Council, including the necessary expenses for the performance of its official functions and activities.

(e)The functions of the Council shall be harmonized with the functions and responsibilities of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the protected area superintendents and the regional ecotourism committee to avoid any overlap or conflict.

Section 6. Tourism Development Plan of Camiguin

- The Tourism Development Plan of the Province of Camiguin shall be incorporated in the DOTs 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 latters 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

BENIGNO S. AQUINO, III

President of the Philippines

For information and research only, and not legal advice. This text may not reflect later amendments. For certified copies, refer to the Official Gazette or the issuing agency.

In plain language