Duterte signs laws declaring four new tourist spots in Luzon

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed laws declaring four areas in the Philippines' largest island, Luzon, as tourist destinations.

The new travel destinations are Mount Bulaylay in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija (Republic Act 11406), Candon City Ecotourism Zone in Ilocos Sur (RA 11407), Santiago Cove in Santiago, Ilocos Sur (RA 11408) and Pinsal Falls in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur (RA 11409).

The laws mandated the Department of Tourism, in coordination with the concerned local government units and government agencies, to prepare a tourism development plan “involving the construction, installation and maintenance of appropriate facilities and infrastructure” to encourage tourism in those areas within a year after the enactment of each measure.

The development plan, which will be implemented by the government, must also ensure the preservation and conservation of the tourist spots and that any activities and development to be carried out in the areas should conform with the government’s National Ecotourism Strategy.

The Tourism Secretary should include in the department’s programs the implementation of the laws, the funding of which will be included in the annual national budget and internally generated funds of the DOT.

Duterte signed the new laws on August 22. — MDM, GMA News