QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10561)
Republic Act No. 10561 is entitled “An Act Declaring the Province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Region as a Tourism Development Area (TDA) and Appropriating Funds Therefor.” It declares Kalinga as a Tourism Development Area.
The policy is to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for local communities.
It provides the legal basis for prioritizing Kalinga’s tourism development by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a tourism zone under rules and regulations governing tourism zones.
The Act includes, among others: Tinglayan (Palan-ah Falls and Hot Springs), Tanudan (trekking in Mt. Binaratan rainforest), Balbalan (subterranean rivers and caves), Pinukpuk (Aguinaldo Hill and mountain lakes), the Chico River white-water rafting route (from Tinglayan to Lubuagan, Pasil, and Tabuk City), Tabuk City (historical areas), Pasil (Padharao Lake and Guina-ang Village), and Rizal (Elephant Hill and a man-made lagoon).
No. It states the TDA includes, but is not limited to, the municipalities and features enumerated in Section 3.
DOT shall accord priority development to the TDA and ensure it is subject to the rules and regulations governing tourism zones.
Section 4 requires that Kalinga’s Tourism Development Plan be incorporated in DOT’s overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) under R.A. 9593, and be jointly implemented with the local government and the Provincial Tourism Council of Kalinga.
It must take into consideration R.A. 9593 (National Tourism Act of 2009) and R.A. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992), including their implementing rules and regulations.
DOT, in coordination with TIEZA and other concerned agencies, shall delineate well-defined geographic areas within the TDA and coordinate integrated development for optimum use of natural assets and attractions and existing facilities.
It is a trust fund established to finance projects that enhance tourism in the Province of Kalinga.
It is administered by a trust fund administrator under the Provincial Tourism Council of Kalinga.
Income may come from fees from visitors/tourists; other resources from the province; proceeds from the registration and lease of multiple-use areas including tourism concessions; and fees, proceeds, and contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting the province. It may also be augmented by grants and donations and endowments from domestic or foreign entities and individuals.
The fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures.
Disbursements must be in accordance with existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
The Secretary of DOT shall include implementation in DOT’s program, with funding to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and/or internally generated funds of DOT.
Section 7 (Separability) provides that if any provision is declared unconstitutional, the rest remains effective. Section 8 (Repealing) states that laws and issuances contrary or inconsistent with the Act are deemed repealed or modified accordingly.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Kalinga’s Tourism Development Plan must be implemented taking into consideration R.A. 7586 and its implementing rules and regulations, indicating tourism development should align with protected areas policy.