OCT 31, 2015

NR # 4004B

Bill declares Albay municipality as ecotourism zone

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 municipalitys 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. (30) lvc