Question & AnswerQ&A (IRR of Republic Act No. 11407)
The rules and regulations are known as the "Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Candon City Ecotourism Zone Act."
The Candon City Ecotourism Zone (CCEZ) in Ilocos Sur is declared a tourist destination, prioritizing its development while considering its physical and natural characteristics and surrounding communities, subject to tourism development rules.
Ecotourism is defined as sustainable tourism within natural and/or cultural heritage areas emphasizing community participation, resource protection and management, environmental education, and fostering economic benefits for host communities and visitor satisfaction.
The development components include road networks, infrastructure, electricity, water source, telecommunication, equitable distribution of benefits among barangays, and an administrative body dedicated to facilities in the Ecotourism Zone.
Partner agencies include the Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Education (DepEd), TESDA, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Water Regulatory Board (NWRB), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).
The zone covers approximately 395.25 hectares in specific barangays of Candon City, Ilocos Sur, with metes and bounds described in detail; contiguous or adjacent areas with similar flora and fauna are included for conservation and protection purposes.
The DOT ensures that economic benefits of tourism are shared widely and promotes responsible tourism practices. It also leads planning and coordinates implementation of the development plan with various agencies and LGUs.
The Department of Tourism shall include funding for the implementation in its program, which shall be appropriated in the annual General Appropriations Act and through internally generated funds.
Primary implementers are the local government units (LGUs) of Candon City and Barangays Palacapac, San Andres, Cubcubbuot, Amguid, and others within the zone. The municipalities of Sta. Lucia and Salcedo are designated as primary partners.
The declaration of unconstitutionality of any provision shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of the IRR (Separability Clause).
Yes, the coverage can be modified through an act of Congress after consultation with the concerned government agencies, due to changes like ecological factors, scientific or archaeological findings, or discovery of traditional boundaries.
It authorizes Candon City to seek assistance and forge partnerships with other LGUs, government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure proper implementation of the IRR and the tourism development plan.