Republic Act No. 7822

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

Section 1

Limasawa Island in the Province of Southern Leyte is hereby declared a tourist zone. As such, it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist zones.

Section 2

The Department of Tourism, in coordination with  the Philippine Tourism Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare within one year from the approval of this Act, a tourism development plan for Limasawa Island which shall provide for the construction, installation and/or maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure as shall encourage tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the protection and preservation of the natural beauty and historical significance thereof.

Section 3

Upon approval by the Department of Tourism of the tourism development plan for Limasawa Island, it shall take immediate steps to expedite the implementation thereof and, for the purpose, shall incorporate the same in the Department's overall tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year.

Section 4

The Department of Tourism shall likewise promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

Section 5

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved, November 18, 1994.