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

Case Overview and Summary

Republic Act No. 9446: Declaring the Province of Bohol as an Eco-Cultural Tourism Zone

- Section 1: Declares the Province of Bohol as a National Tourism Zone.

- Section 2: Outlines the principles governing the planning, development, promotion, and management of the tourism zone until comprehensive legislation is adopted:
    - The Department of Tourism (DOT), its attached agencies, the Provincial Government of Bohol, and the City Government of Tagbilaran shall coordinate in formulating a tourism development plan for the zone, consistent with the national tourism master plan (Section 2a).
    - The plan shall protect and enhance the natural features and cultural heritage of the zone while providing sustainable economic opportunities for the local community (Section 2b).
    - The Provincial Government of Bohol and the City Government of Tagbilaran shall utilize their powers under the Local Government Code to implement and enforce the tourism development plan (Section 2c).
    - The DOT and its attached agencies may provide technical and financial assistance for tourism infrastructure development, skills development, and promotion of the zone locally and internationally (Section 2d).
    - The DOT, the Provincial Government of Bohol, and the City Government of Tagbilaran shall create a forum for interaction between the private sector, non-government organizations, and other interest groups to encourage investment and develop a culture of tourism (Section 2e).

- 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 the Act.

- Section 4: The Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication.