Republic Act No. 12236

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1

This Act hereby declares the City of Maasin and the Municipalities of Malitbog and Padre Burgos in the Province of Southern Leyte as tourism zone.

Pursuant thereto, its development as a viable host for the visitor economy shall be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism zones.

Section 2

Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan providing for the development, maintenance, improvement, and restoration of tourism sites, where appropriate, in conformity with set standards, including the construction of hotels, resorts, restaurants, recreational facilities, and other appropriate facilities and infrastructure to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of the area: Provided, further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte.

Section 3

The DOT shall assist the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte in the implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical standards in tourism capacity building. It shall also include the Province of Southern Leyte in its national and regional promotion programs.

Section 4

The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual budget of the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte. The DOT may augment such allocation with internally generated funds.

Section 5

Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.

Section 6

All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, proclamations, presidential decrees, and other issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

Section 7

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

(SGD.) FRANCIS "CHIZ" G. ESCUDERO President of the Senate	(SGD.) FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act, which originated in the House of Representatives, was passed by the House of Representatives on November 15, 2022, amended by the Senate of the Philippines on June 10, 2025, and which amendments were concurred in by the House of Representatives on June 10, 2025.

(SGD.) RENATO N. BANTUG, JR. Secretary of the Senate	(SGD.) REGINALD S. VELASCO Secretary General House of Representatives

Approved: AUG 29 2025

(SGD.) FERDINAND ROMUALDEZ MARCOS JR. President of the Philippines