AN ACT DECLARING THE ISLAND-TOWNS OF BIRI

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9458

Declaring the Island-Towns of Biri, Capul, San Antonio and San Vicente in Northern Samar as Eco-Tourism Zones

• Section 1 declares the island-towns of Biri, Capul, San Antonio and San Vicente in Northern Samar as national tourism zones.

• Section 2 outlines the principles governing the planning, development, promotion and management of these tourism zones until a comprehensive national tourism legislation is adopted:
    - The Department of Tourism (DOT), its attached agencies, and the provincial government of Northern Samar shall coordinate in formulating a tourism development plan for these zones, consistent with the national tourism master plan. (Sec. 2a)
    - 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. (Sec. 2b)
    - The relevant local government shall utilize its powers under the Local Government Code to implement and enforce the tourism development plan. (Sec. 2c)
    - The DOT and its attached agencies may provide technical and financial assistance for tourism infrastructure development, skills development, and promotion of the tourism zones locally and internationally. (Sec. 2d)
    - The DOT and the local government shall create a forum for interaction between the private sector, NGOs, and other interest groups to encourage investment and develop a culture of tourism. (Sec. 2e)
    - The land embraced by the tourism zone shall be exempt from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, as determined by the concerned sanggunian (local legislative council). (Sec. 2f)

• Section 3 authorizes the DOT, in consultation with the local government, to adopt rules and regulations and enter into agreements to implement this Act.

• Section 4 states that the Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication.