Republic Act No. 9446 Declaring Bohol Province as an Eco-cultural Tourism Zone

May 9, 2007

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9446

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF BOHOL AS AN ECO-CULTURAL TOURISM ZONE

SECTION 1. This Act hereby declares the Province of Bohol as a national tourism zone. IHSTDE

SECTION 2. Until comprehensive legislation rationalizing the national tourism program is adopted, the following principles shall govern the planning, development, promotion and management of this tourism zone:

(a) The Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies, and the Provincial Government of Bohol and the City Government of Tagbilaran shall coordinate in the formulation of a tourism development plan for the tourism zone: Provided, That said plan is consistent with, or may be integrated into, the national tourism master plan of the DOT;

(b) The plan shall protect and enhance the natural features and cultural heritage of the tourism zone, while providing sustainable economic opportunities for the local community;

(c) The Provincial Government of Bohol and the City Government of Tagbilaran shall utilize their powers provided under the Local Government Code to implement and enforce the tourism development plan;

(d) The DOT and its attached agencies may provide necessary technical and financial assistance for the development of tourism infrastructure and skills development in the Province of Bohol while endeavoring, when practicable, to promote the tourism zone, both locally and internationally; and

(e) The DOT, the Provincial Government of Bohol and the City Government of Tagbilaran shall create a forum by which the private sector, nongovernment organizations and other interest groups can interact with one another and the government to create an atmosphere that shall encourage investment and the development of a culture of tourism.

SECTION 3. The DOT, in consultation with the Provincial Government of Bohol and the City Government of Tagbilaran, shall adopt appropriate rules and regulations, and enter into agreements to implement this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days of completion of its publication.

Approved: May 9, 2007