Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10907)
Republic Act No. 10907 is officially titled the "Camiguin Tourism Development Act."
The State declares the policy to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for local communities.
The law covers ecotourism sites in the Province of Camiguin including Mount Timpoong a Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument, White Island, Katibawasan Falls, Tangub Hot Spring, Sa-ay Cold Spring, Ardent Hibok-Hibok Hot Spring, Magsaysay Island, Taguines Lagoon, Macao Cold Spring, Queobe Eco Park, several sites in Catarman, Sagay, and Guinsiliban including falls, springs, marine areas, and historical sites.
The Camiguin Tourism Council is created as the primary policy-making, planning, and coordinating body for tourism development and administration of ecotourism sites in Camiguin.
The Council is composed of the Provincial Governor of Camiguin as Chairperson; municipal mayors who elect the Vice Chairperson; a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan; and two private sector representatives nominated by tourism organizations and appointed by the Chairperson.
The Council is tasked with policy-making, planning, coordinating tourism development in Camiguin, administering ecotourism sites, ensuring consultations with affected sectors, conducting research, and proposing implementing rules and guidelines for sustainable tourism.
The Chief Operating Officer of TIEZA, Regional Directors of the DOT, DENR, DPWH, and NEDA for Region X serve as advisors to the Council.
Potential tourism sites must undergo consultation with the DOT and DENR, a survey and verification by NAMRIA in coordination with the Provincial Government, and declaration as an ecotourism site by the Camiguin Tourism Council.
The Tourism Development Plan of Camiguin must be incorporated into the DOT’s National Tourism Development Plan and implemented jointly with the LGU and the Camiguin Tourism Council, considering relevant laws like the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act and the National Caves and Cave Resources Management Act.
Within protected areas, only low impact tourism developments such as construction of basic facilities (comfort rooms, kiosks, picnic areas) are allowed. Mass tourism and high-impact activities or large infrastructure developments should be outside protected areas.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), in coordination with the DOT and the Camiguin Tourism Council, are tasked to prioritize infrastructure improvements supporting tourism development.
The Camiguin Tourism Council must promulgate the IRR within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of the Act.
The DOT, DENR, DPWH, DOTC, and LGUs must include implementation funding in their Annual Investment Programs, which shall be incorporated in the annual General Appropriations Act.
If any provision is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect (Separability Clause).
The Act took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation and lapsed into law on July 21, 2016, without the President's signature as per Article VI, Section 27(1) of the Philippine Constitution.