Declaration of Policy
- Promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable.
- Provide mechanisms and infrastructure for sustainable tourism development.
- Develop identified tourist destinations or attractions to foster inclusive growth nationwide.
Scope and Coverage
- Covers ecotourism sites in the Province of Camiguin, specifically in the municipalities of Mambajao, Mahinog, Catarman, Sagay, and Guinsihban.
- Identifies specific natural and historic sites with precise coordinates and areas, including Mount Timpoong a Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument, White Island, waterfalls, springs, lagoons, islands, cold springs, historical ruins, and others.
- Emphasizes preservation of natural beauty and historic significance across a detailed list of sites.
Identification and Declaration of Other Sites
- Other potential tourism areas, such as bodies of water, mountains, historical/cultural sites, and man-made attractions may be added.
- Inclusion requires consultation with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
- Verification and survey to be conducted by National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) coordinated with the Provincial Government of Camiguin.
- Final declaration as an ecotourism site made by the Camiguin Tourism Council.
Camiguin Tourism Council
- Organized as the primary policy-making, planning, and coordinating body for tourism development in Camiguin.
- Composed of Provincial Governor (Chairperson), municipal mayors (who elect a Vice Chairperson), a Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, and two private sector representatives.
- May create committees and define their functions and membership.
- Advisors include Chief Operating Officer of TIEZA, Regional Directors of DOT, DENR, DPWH, and NEDA for Region X.
- May call other government agencies for advice and assistance.
- Ensures consultation with affected constituencies, sectors, and engages experts.
- Secretariat and funding provided by the Provincial Government of Camiguin.
- Functions coordinated with Protected Area Management Board to avoid overlaps.
Tourism Development Plan of Camiguin
- Integrated into the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) following the National Tourism Act of 2009.
- Implementation coordinated jointly by local government units, DOT, TIEZA, and DENR.
- Must consider the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act and the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act.
- Includes delineation of geographic areas within ecotourism sites for integrated development and optimum use.
- Emphasizes preservation of ecological balance and natural beauty.
- Permits only low-impact developments within protected areas; mass tourism and large infrastructure must be outside such areas.
- Infrastructure priorities for tourism are incorporated into DPWH, DOTC, and other agencies' programs.
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)
- Camiguin Tourism Council to promulgate IRR within 60 days after effectivity.
- Consultation required with relevant government agencies and stakeholders.
- The law takes effect 60 days after publication, regardless of IRR issuance.
Appropriations
- DOT, DENR, DPWH, DOTC, and Local Government Units must include implementation funding in their Annual Investment Programs.
- Funding sourced from the annual General Appropriations Act.
Repealing Clause
- All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Act are deemed amended accordingly.
Separability Clause
- Declaration of any provision as unconstitutional does not affect the remaining provisions which shall remain in full force and effect.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.