Duterte OKs laws declaring 4 new PH tourist spots

The Chief Executive signed the new laws last August 22 but copies of these were only made public on Thursday, August 29. (File photo: REY BANIQUET/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

Local and foreign tourists have four new tourist spots that they could add to their list of ‘where-to-go-next’ in the Philippines.

This, after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11406, RA No. 11407, RA No. 11408, and RA No. 11409, declaring Mount Bulaylay in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, Candon City Ecotourism Zone in Ilocos Sur, Santiago Cove in Santiago, Ilocos Sur, and Pinsal Falls in Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur as tourist destinations, respectively.

The Chief Executive signed the new laws last August 22 but copies of these were only made public on Thursday, August 29.

Under the laws, the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the concerned local government units and agencies of the government, is mandated to prepare a tourism development plan “involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and facilities” to enhance tourism in the said places.

The development plan, it noted, must ensure the “preservation” and “conservation” of the said areas.

It added that any activities and developments to be conducted in these destinations should “conform with the concept of ecotourism” as provided in the national ecotourism strategy jointly issued by the DOT and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The Tourism secretary should also include the implementation of the laws in the DOT’s programs, and make sure that the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act as well as from internally generated funds of the Tourism department.

These laws will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.