OCT.

09, 2013

NR # 3251

Declaration of the Province of Misamis Oriental as a tourism zone sought

A lawmaker has filed a bill that seeks to declare the Province of Misamis Oriental a tourism zone. Rep. Juliette Uy (2nd District, Misamis Oriental) filed House Bill 1464, mandating the Department of Tourism (DOT) to accord priority development to the province by declaring it a tourism zone. The bill is in consonance with the policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is economically viable, ecologically sustainable, participative, culturally sensitive, and equitable for local communities. It is our shared responsibility to promote and develop tourism as a major socioeconomic activity to generate income, to create employment and livelihood opportunities, and to spread the benefits of tourism nationally and locally, Uy said. Uy said the province of Misamis Oriental offers various tourism potentials for seasoned travellers aside from fine white sand beaches ideal for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. With its many nature parks, coastal areas and a multicultural population, it is the most convenient starting point towards the many attractions that the Northern Mindanao Region has to offer, Uy stressed. According to the neophyte solon, Misamis Oriental is also home to several springs and falls that offer serenity and pristine beauty of Mother Nature where one can still hear the sound of chirping birds amongst the wild flowers and forested trees that surround them. Uy said her province likewise boasts of caves which capture the interest of spelunkers because of their rare beauty, anthropologists and tourists due to each amazing formations and the value that they represent. Uy added that Misamis Oriental is replete with historical/cultural attractions such as the century old church in Jasaan; the Vega ancestral home in Balingasag; Lagbas ancestral home in Sugbobgcogon; Al Sulawan Point in Laguindingan and the old municipal building in Initao which should all be classified as official tourist sites. With all of these that the province has to offer, there is a need for a specific coherent policy that shall guide the formulation of sound tourism plans and codes at the local level, Uy said.

Under the bill, the DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare the necessary tourism spot development plan, providing for their development and maintenance, including improvement and restoration of sites, in conformity with set standards, construction of hotels, resorts, restaurants, recreational facilities and other appropriate facilities and infrastructure that will ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of the area. The DOT is mandated to implement the development plan and incorporate it in the Departments overall tourism development program and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act. Also, the private sector is encouraged to invest in tourism-related endeavours such as resorts, restaurants, transportation, tours and travel offices that will gear aggressive tourism advancement that shall spur local and national economic development in Misamis Oriental. The advancement in the province will also bring about an improved peace and order situation brought about by a constituency that is gainfully employed in thriving tourism businesses, Uy said. (30) lvc