Law Summary
Scope and Coverage of Tourism Development Areas in Biliran
- Includes municipalities and sites of natural beauty and historic significance.
- Specific sites include:
- Higatangan Island, Municipality of Naval, covering 487.46 hectares.
- Sambawan Island, Municipality of Maripipi, covering 1.4 hectares.
- Mangrove Area of Looc known as Cabucgayan Boardwalk, Municipality of Cabucgayan, covering 4.73 hectares.
- Casabangan Falls, Municipality of Cabucgayan, covering 0.18 hectares.
- Tinago Falls, Municipality of Caibiran, 0.46 hectares.
- Bagongbong Falls, Municipality of Almeria, 0.21 hectares.
- Coordinates subject to ground surveys by DENR-NAMRIA for verification.
Tourism Development Plan
- Incorporated into the Department of Tourism’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).
- Jointly implemented by the local government and Provincial Tourism Council of Biliran.
- Must consider Republic Act No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act) and its rules.
Biliran Tourism Development Trust Fund
- Established trust fund to finance tourism projects in Biliran.
- Administrated by a Trust Fund Administrator under the Provincial Tourism Council.
- Income sources include:
- Fees from visitors/tourists.
- Fees from permitted sale/export of local flora and fauna.
- Proceeds from registration and leases of multiple-use areas and tourism concessions.
- Contributions from industries benefiting the province.
- Grants, donations, and endowments domestic or foreign.
- Disbursements comply with accounting and auditing rules.
- Fund not to be used for personal services expenditures.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Developed by Secretary of the Department of Tourism and DENR Secretary.
- Consultation with stakeholders is mandatory for formulating rules.
Appropriations and Funding
- DOT and DENR to include Act’s implementation in their programs.
- Funding to be allocated yearly in the General Appropriations Act.
Repealing Clause
- Proclamation No. 1801, VIII(2) provisions inconsistent with this Act are amended.
Separability Clause
- Declared unconstitutional provisions do not affect validity of the rest of the Act.
Effectivity Clause
- The Act takes effect 15 days after complete publication in the Official Gazette or a national newspaper.