Declaration of the tourist zone
- Section 1 declares Atulayan Island of the Municipality of Sagaay, Province of Camarines Sur as a national tourism zone.
- Section 1 makes the island’s status as a tourism zone an effect of the law itself.
Coordinated planning and governing principles
- Section 2 provides that until comprehensive legislation rationalizing the national tourism program is adopted, the specified principles govern planning, development, promotion, and management of the tourism zone.
- Section 2 requires the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies, and the Partido Development Administration (PDA) to coordinate in formulating a tourism development plan for the tourism zone.
- Section 2 states that the tourism zone plan must be consistent with or may be integrated into the national tourism master plan of the DOT.
- Section 2 requires the plan to protect and enhance the tourism zone’s natural features and cultural heritage, while providing sustainable economic opportunities for the local community.
- Section 2 directs the PDA and the relevant municipalities to utilize their powers under Republic Act No. 7820, as amended, and the Local Government Code, respectively, to implement and enforce the tourism development plan.
- Section 2 authorizes the DOT and its attached agencies to provide necessary technical and financial assistance for development of tourism infrastructure and skills development, and to promote the tourism zone locally and internationally when practicable.
- Section 2 mandates the DOT, the PDA, and the relevant municipalities to create a forum where the private sector, nongovernment organizations, and other interest groups interact with government to encourage investment and a culture of tourism.
DOT rules, regulations, and agreements
- Section 3 requires the DOT, in consultation with the PDA and the local government concerned, to adopt appropriate rules and regulations to implement Republic Act No. 9444.
- Section 3 authorizes the DOT to enter into agreements to implement Republic Act No. 9444.
- Section 3 anchors implementation in coordination among the DOT, PDA, and the local government concerned.
Publication and transitory rule
- Section 2 provides a transitory governance framework: the principles in Section 2 control until comprehensive legislation rationalizing the national tourism program is adopted.
- Section 4 sets the effectivity rule: the law becomes effective after fifteen (15) days from completion of publication.