QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10866)
RA 10866 is titled the “Batanes Responsible Tourism Act.” It declares the Province of Batanes as a responsible, community-based cultural heritage and ecotourism zone, prioritizing ecologically sustainable, participative, culturally sensitive, and equitable tourism development.
The State recognizes and protects the rights of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their cultures, and mandates promotion of tourism that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for local communities—declaring Batanes a cultural heritage and ecotourism zone.
RA 10866 directs tourism development to promote (a) integrity of ecology and environment, (b) richness of natural and cultural heritage, and (c) resilience of indigenous social institutions.
Among the objectives are: (a) develop responsible, community-based ecological-cultural tourism; (b) ensure conservation of biodiversity and preservation of heritage and culture; (c) develop tourism products/programs that generate local employment and livelihood; (d) ensure equitable sharing of tourism benefits with preference for community- and home-based enterprises; (e) ensure educational and enriching local tourism programs; (f) require LGUs to prioritize meeting local needs for water, food, energy, and local construction materials.
It refers to tourism where the local community and its residents have substantial control and involvement in development and management, and where a greater proportion of economic gains remain within the community.
Ecotourism is sustainable tourism in a natural and cultural heritage area that fosters community participation, protection and management of natural resources, cultural/indigenous knowledge and practices, environmental education and ethics, and economic benefits for host communities and satisfaction of visitors.
A form of sustainable tourism where both the tourism sector and tourists take responsibility in protecting and conserving the natural environment and respecting local culture/ways of life, with community participation and pursuit of economic benefits for local well-being and visitor satisfaction.
It is a tourist accommodation system where the tourist stays with local residents and experiences the day-to-day life of Ivatans and their communities.
It refers to all products of human creativity showing a people’s identity, including places of religious worship, schools, natural history specimens/sites, whether public or private, movable or immovable, tangible or intangible.
It covers the same boundaries as provided in Section 3 of Republic Act No. 8991 (Batanes Protected Area Act of 2000).
The DOT coordinates with DENR, NCIP, and NCCA to assist Batanes in formulating the Provincial Tourism Development Plan and related guidelines/standards.
It must include (a) carrying capacity of sites; (b) specific site assessments; (c) identification of strategic priorities; (d) product development for local income; (e) capacity-building for local communities; (f) support for formation of production groups/networks and their marketing/pricing; and (g) marketing strategies reflecting Batanes’ natural, cultural, social, and environmental integrity.
It must be participatory, from the bottom up, using the framework provided by DOT, DENR, NCIP, and NCCA, and in consultation with provincial and municipal governments.
The concerned Protected Area Management Board of DENR, NCIP, and the local tourism council, in coordination with LGUs, assist in formulating local tourism standards and recommend biodiversity/environment protection-integrated guidelines.
They must raise stakeholder capacity and best practices; ensure optimal use of water and energy; reduce waste and pollution via recycling and environmentally sound disposal, applying a principle of taking as much waste away from the site as possible; and encourage local produce/services and local employment.
DOT must closely coordinate with provincial/municipal governments of Batanes and regional/provincial offices of relevant national agencies including DENR, NCIP, NCCA, NHCP, National Museum, DOLE, DPWH, DOTC, DOST, DepED, DTI, DILG, PNP, MARINA, and PPA (among those listed).
Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of RA 10866, the DOT, DENR, NCIP, and NCCA—consulting provincial/municipal governments of Batanes, concerned agencies, and stakeholders—must promulgate the IRR.
Only the provision(s) declared unconstitutional/invalid will be affected; the other provisions not affected remain in force and effect.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.