Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10561)
Republic Act No. 10561 is officially titled 'An Act Declaring the Province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Region as a Tourism Development Area (TDA) and Appropriating Funds Therefor.'
The State policy is to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for local communities.
The included municipalities are Tinglayan, Tanudan, Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Lubuagan, Pasil, and Rizal, as well as Tabuk City, each having specific natural, historical, or cultural attractions.
Notable attractions include Palan-ah Falls and Hot Springs in Tinglayan, the rainforest of Mt. Binaratan in Tanudan, subterranean rivers and caves in Balbalan, Aguinaldo Hill and mountain lakes in Pinukpuk, and the white water rafting potential along the Chico River.
The Tourism Development Plan of Kalinga shall be incorporated into the Department of Tourism's overall National Tourism Development Plan and be jointly implemented with the local government and the Provincial Tourism Council, considering relevant laws like the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act.
The Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and other concerned government agencies are involved in delineating geographic areas and coordinating development.
It is a trust fund established under RA 10561 to finance projects aimed at enhancing tourism in Kalinga. The fund is administered by a trust fund administrator under the Provincial Tourism Council of Kalinga.
Income sources include fees from visitors/tourists, proceeds from registration and lease of multiple-use areas including tourism concessions, contributions from industries and facilities benefiting the province, and grants or donations from domestic or foreign entities.
Disbursements must comply with existing accounting and auditing regulations, and the fund cannot be used to cover personal services expenditures.
The Secretary of the DOT shall include the implementation of this Act in the Department's program, and funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and/or internally generated funds of the DOT.
The unconstitutionality of any provision shall not affect the other provisions, which shall remain effective (Separability Clause).
RA 10561 took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.