PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has signed a new law declaring the province of Davao Oriental as a Tourism Development Area (TDA) in a bid to boost the tourism industry.
The Chief Executive signed on May 17 Republic Act 10560 otherwise known as "An Act Declaring the Province of Davao Oriental as a Tourism Development Area (TDA)."
The law was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on February 5, 2013 and February 4, 2013, respectively.
Aquino said that it is 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.
"The Tourism Development Areas in the Province of Davao Oriental hereby include, but not limited to, its municipalities endowed with natural beauty, small islands, waterfalls, beaches, sea and mountain resources, historical and natural landmarks, indigenous communities and other areas of interest to the tourism industry," the President said.
He said the province shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the tourism zones.
"The Tourism Development Plan of the Province of Davao Oriental shall be incorporated in the DOT's 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 the Provincial Tourism Council of Davao Oriental taking into consideration Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the 'National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992' and its implementing rules and regulations," the President said.
He directed the DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, to delineate well defined geographic areas within the TDA and coordinate the integrated development of these areas for the optimum use of natural assets and attractions, as well as existing facilities.
"The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with the DOT, shall set forth in place the necessary construction and/or improvement of roads and other infrastructure upon the promulgation of this Act and incorporate it in its infrastructure program," the President stressed.
The heads of DOT and DPWH shall include in their respective department's program the implementation of the new law.
The funding for the implementation of the new law shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and/or charged against the internally generated funds of the DOT. (SDR/Sunnex)