Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 111)
The main policy objective is to develop and promote sustainable tourism while ensuring the sustainable use, development, management, protection, and conservation of the country's environment, natural resources, and cultural heritage for present and future generations.
The NEDC is composed of the secretaries of the Departments of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry, Finance, National Economic and Development Authority, and Education, Culture and Sports, along with representatives from the private sector and non-government organizations.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) chairs the NEDC, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) co-chairs it.
The NESC formulates a national ecotourism strategy and program, recommends policies and guidelines, reviews and approves major ecotourism projects, devises accreditation and incentive mechanisms, consults with local populations, provides technical and financial assistance to communities, monitors implementation of ecotourism programs, and performs activities necessary to carry out the objectives of the Executive Order.
The REC reviews, evaluates, approves, and monitors ecotourism projects in their region, implements policies and programs formulated by the Council, identifies networks of ecotourism sites, recommends plans and programs for ecotourism, and performs other activities prescribed by the Council.
An Ecotourism Technical Working Group is established by the NEDC to provide technical and administrative support, and the NEDC may also request assistance from other government agencies for ecotourism program development and implementation.
The National Ecotourism Strategy is prepared by the Council as an integrated management plan to provide comprehensive direction for ecotourism development by recognizing issues for sustainable development and recommending approaches to address them. It is formulated in consultation with stakeholders including indigenous peoples and local communities.
The National Ecotourism Programs cover the development, management, and protection of ecotourism sites; product enhancement and development; environmental education and information campaign; and support programs for community stewardship and livelihood development.
The Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Tourism allocate funds from their regular budgets. Additionally, the NEDC can generate funds via financial mechanisms and receive aids, grants, or donations, which will be placed in an Ecotourism Fund to finance ecotourism programs and activities.
If any part is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the rest of the Order's provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.