H. No. 2140; 109 OG No. 35, 5894 (September 2, 2013); Manila Bulletin, May 27, 2013

[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10561, May 17, 2013 ]

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF KALINGA IN THE CORDILLERA REGION AS A TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA (TDA) AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the-Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as “An Act Declaring the Province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Region as a Tourism Development Area (TDA)”.

SEC. 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.

SEC. 3. Scope and Coverage. – The Tourism Development Areas in Kalinga hereby include, but not limited to, the following municipalities endowed with natural beauty, rivers, lake and mountain resources, and historical and cultural significance:

The Municipality of Tinglayan in the Province of Kalinga, with its natural formation of mountain ranges and the natural beauty of Palan-ah Falls and Hot Springs;

The Municipality of Tanudan in the Province of Kalinga, a potential for trekking the rainforest of Mt. Binaratan;

The subterranean rivers and caves, herein, within the Municipality of Balbalan in the Province of Kalinga;

The Aguinaldo Hill and mountain lakes in the Municipality of Pinukpuk in the Province of Kalinga;

The potential site for a white water rafting along the Chico River starting in Tinglayan down to Lubuagan, Pasil and Tabuk City in the Province of Kalinga;

The historical areas in the City of Tabuk, herein, in the Province of Kalinga;

The Padharao Lake and the historical Guina-ang Village in the Municipality of Pasil in the Province of Kalinga; and

The Elephant Hill and the man-made lagoon in the Municipality of Rizal in the Province of Kalinga.

As such, it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing tourism zones.

SEC. 4. Tourism Development Plan of Kalinga. – The Tourism Development Plan of the Province of Kalinga 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 Kalinga 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 DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other concerned agencies of the government, shall 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.

SEC. 5. Kalinga Tourism Development Trust Fund. – There is hereby established a trust fund under this Act to be known as the Kalinga Tourism Development Trust Fund for purposes of financing projects which shall enhance tourism in the Province of Kalinga. The trust fund shall be administered by a trust fund administrator under the Provincial Tourism Council of Kalinga. Income shall be derived from fees from visitors/tourists, other resources from the province, proceeds from the registration and lease of multiple-use areas, including tourism concessions, fees, proceeds and contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting the province.

The Kalinga Tourism Development Trust Fund may be augmented by grants and donations, endowment from various sources, domestic or foreign entities and individuals, for purposes related to their functions: Provided, That disbursements therefrom shall be in accordance with existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, further, That the fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. – The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and/or internally generated funds of the DOT.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. – Any provision of this Act or part hereof that may be declared unconstitutional shall not affect the effectivity of the other provisions.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules and regulations and other issuances contrary to or inconsistent with this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on February 5, 2013 and February 4, 2013, respectively.

Approved: MAY 17 2013

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III President of the Philippines

Source: Supreme Court E-Library