Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, the Iloilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Molo Plaza Complex and Plaza Libertad Complex as Cultural Heritage Tourism Zone

May 15, 2013

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10555

AN ACT DECLARING THE JARO CATHEDRAL, MOLO CHURCH, THE ILOILO CITY CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, FORT SAN PEDRO, JARO PLAZA COMPLEX, MOLO PLAZA COMPLEX AND PLAZA LIBERTAD COMPLEX, ALL LOCATED IN THE CITY OF ILOILO, AS CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM ZONE

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as "An Act Declaring the Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, the Iloilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Molo Plaza Complex and Plaza Libertad Complex, all Located in the City of Iloilo, as Cultural Heritage Tourism Zone".

The Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, the Iloilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Molo Plaza Complex and Plaza Libertad Complex, all located in the City of Iloilo, are hereby declared as heritage and tourist spots. As such, they shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local communities.

Towards this end, the Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, the Iloilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Molo Plaza Complex and Plaza Libertad Complex, all located in the City of Iloilo, declared as cultural heritage tourism zone, shall be accorded priority development by the DOT and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism zones.

SECTION 3. Tourism Development Plan of the City of Iloilo. — The Tourism Development Plan of the City of Iloilo shall be incorporated in the DOT's overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the "National Tourism Act of 2009" and be jointly implemented with the local government and Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) THCSEA

The DOT, in coordination with the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, the TIEZA and other concerned agencies of the government, shall delineate well defined geographic areas within the tourism zone of the City and coordinate the integrated development of these areas for the optimum use of natural assets and attractions, as well as existing infrastructure and facilities: Provided, That said development shall ensure the preservation and historic significance of the identified tourist attractions.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of the DOT, in consultation with the stakeholders and the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Appropriations. — The Secretary of the DOT shall immediately include in the DOT's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and/or internally generated funds of the Department.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. — Any provision of this Act or part hereof that may be declared unconstitutional shall not affect the effectivity of the other provisions.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules and regulations and other issuances contrary to or inconsistent with this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly. IHEDAT

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved: May 15, 2013.

Published in The Philippine Star on May 27, 2013.