BANGSAMORO Parliament Member Amir Mawallil has filed before the regional legislature Parliament Bill No. 13 that seeks to create the Ministry of Tourism.
Mawallil said in a statement Wednesday, October 5, said the bill was filed to bring focus to the burgeoning tourism industry in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm).
“The bill seeks to establish a separate ministry for tourism by dividing the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism (MTIT) into two ministries: the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Trade and Industry,” Mawallil said.
Under this proposed measure, the Ministry of Tourism shall be the agency responsible for encouraging, promoting and developing tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate revenue and employment, as well as spreading the benefits of tourism across a wider segment of the Bangsamoro population,” he added.
He said that by creating a separate ministry, it is hoped that an infusion of both focus and resources, plus restructuring the operations and policies for the regional tourism industry will lead to greater development in the industry and serve as a catalyst for the long-term growth for Barmm.
The proposal to create a Ministry of Tourism will provide the Barmm with additional sources of revenue given the support, assistance and cooperation of both the private and public sectors.
Mawallil noted that Barmm is strategically located in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
“Its proximity to this sub-region in the Asean makes it an exciting zone for investors to explore,” Mawallil said.
In the country, the Barmm can be considered a unique region. Its rich natural resources, history, cultural diversity and beautiful landscapes are also considered national treasures, such as Lake Lanao, the vast Sulu Sea, and the lush and untouched islands of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Basilan.
Once enacted into law, Mawallil said it will ensure the development of these spots and the cultures of the region, as well as guarantee the preservation and protection of these places and heritage from future harm. (SunStar Zamboanga)