QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10907)
RA 10907 is the “Camiguin Tourism Development Act.” Its purpose is to declare tourism development areas/ecotourism sites in Camiguin Province, organize the Camiguin Tourism Council, and mandate support for tourism development in the province.
The State must promote an ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable tourism industry for local communities, and provide mechanisms and infrastructure for sustainable tourism development.
Section 3 provides the scope and coverage by listing ecotourism sites in specific municipalities of Camiguin, including natural monuments, islands, springs, hot/cold springs, falls, lagoons, ruins, and other attractions, with specified coordinates and area coverage.
They serve as the legal spatial identification of the tourism/ecotourism areas covered by the Act, specifying the geographic extent of each site.
The Act expressly lists sites in Mambajao, Mahinog, Catarman, Sagay, Guinsihban, and includes a natural monument spanning Mambajao, Catarman, Sagay, and Mahinog (Mount Timpoong–Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument).
Section 4 allows other areas with tourism potential to be included as ecotourism sites after consultation with DOT and DENR, survey/verification by NAMRIA (with the Provincial Government of Camiguin), and declaration by the Camiguin Tourism Council.
DOT and DENR for consultation; NAMRIA for survey and verification coordinated with the Provincial Government of Camiguin; and the Camiguin Tourism Council for declaration.
The Provincial Governor (Chairperson); municipal mayors who elect a Vice Chairperson; a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan designated by that body; and two private sector representatives nominated by Camiguin private tourism industry organizations and appointed by the Council Chairperson for a two-year term.
The Chief Operating Officer of TIEZA; DOT Regional Director (Region X); DENR Regional Director (Region X); DPWH Regional Director (Region X); and NEDA Regional Director (Region X).
The Council must ensure that constituencies, sectors, and groups whose interests may be affected are given sufficient opportunities to be heard, pursue consultations, conduct research, and engage experts/resource persons as needed.
It must provide a Secretariat for the Council, including necessary expenses for the performance of its official functions and activities.
It requires harmonization with the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), protected area superintendents, and the regional ecotourism committee to avoid overlap or conflict.
Camiguin’s Tourism Development Plan must be incorporated in DOT’s overall National Tourism Development Plan under RA 9593 and jointly implemented with LGUs and the Camiguin Tourism Council, considering RA 7586 (NIPAS) and RA 9072 (caves). DOT may provide technical assistance.
Allowed: low-impact tourism such as basic facilities/amenities like comfort rooms, kiosks, and picnic areas. Restricted: mass tourism, high-impact activities, and large infrastructure such as accommodation and games/amusement establishments should be implemented outside protected areas.
DPWH and DOTC (and its attached agencies), in coordination with DOT and the Council, must prioritize construction and improvement of necessary infrastructure and incorporate them in annual infrastructure programs.
The Council must promulgate rules and regulations within sixty (60) days after effectivity, after consultation with DOT, DENR, DPWH, DOTC, NEDA, and other stakeholders. The Act takes effect after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR.
DOT, DENR, DPWH, DOTC, and LGUs must include implementation of the Act in their Annual Investment Program (AIP), with funding included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. The IRR must be promulgated within sixty (60) days after effectivity, but the law also takes effect after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR.