Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8021)
The title of Republic Act No. 8021 is 'An Act Declaring the Moriones Festival of the Province of Marinduque a Major Tourist Attraction.'
Section 1 declares that the Moriones Festival of the Province of Marinduque is a major tourist attraction, deserves due recognition, and shall become a priority program of the Department of Tourism.
The Department of Tourism is the primary agency responsible for giving recognition to the Moriones Festival as a major tourist attraction.
Within one year from the approval of the Act, the Department of Tourism, in coordination with the Philippine Tourism Authority and other concerned government agencies, must prepare a tourism development and promotion plan for the Moriones Festival.
The plan should provide for the construction and installation of appropriate facilities and infrastructure to encourage tourism in the area and to promote the festival as a religious and cultural heritage.
The Department of Tourism is required to take immediate steps to implement the development and promotion plan and incorporate it into its overall tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year.
Section 4 gives the Department of Tourism the authority to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of the Act.
The Act took effect upon its approval, specifically it lapsed into law on May 25, 1995 without the President’s signature, pursuant to Section 27(1), Article VI of the Constitution.
The Moriones Festival is recognized as both a religious and cultural heritage that has the potential to draw significant tourism to the Province of Marinduque.
The Philippine Tourism Authority and other concerned government agencies are required to coordinate with the Department of Tourism for the development of the Moriones Festival as stated in the Act.