Republic Act No. 9445

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

Section 1

This Act hereby declares the islands of Lahuy, Cotivas, Guinahuan, Luksuhin, Malibagan and Masag, off the northeastern coast of the Municipality of Caramoan, Province of Camarines Sur as national tourism zones.

Section 2

Until comprehensive legislation rationalizing the national tourism program is adopted, the following principles shall govern the planning, development, promotion and management of these tourism zones:

(a) The Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies, and the Partido Development Administration (PDA) shall coordinate in the formulation of a tourism development plan for these tourism zones; Provided, That said plan is consistent with, or may be integrated into, the national tourism master plan of the DOT;

(b) The plan shall protect and enhance the natural features and cultural heritage of these tourism zones, while providing sustainable economic opportunities for the local community;

(c) The PDA and the relevant municipalities shall utilize their powers provided under Republic Act No. 7820, as amended, and the Local Government Code, respectively, to implement and enforce the tourism development plan;

(d) The DOT and its attached agencies may provide necessary technical and financial assistance for the development of tourism infrastructure and skills development in the local government while endeavoring, when practicable, to promote the tourism zones, both locally and internationally; and

(e) The DOT, the PDA and the relevant municipalities shall create a forum by which the private sector, nongovernment organizations and other interest groups can interact with one another and the government to create an atmosphere that shall encourage investment and the development of a culture of tourism.

Section 3

The DOT, in consultation with the PDA, shall adopt appropriate rules and regulations, and enter into agreements to implement this Act.

Section 4

This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days of completion of its publication.

Approved,

(Sgd.) MANNY VILLAR President of the Senate	(Sgd.) JOSE DE VENECIA, JR. Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on February 20, 2007 and February 19, 2007, respectively.

(Sgd.) OSCAR G. YABES Secretary of Senate	(Sgd.) ROBERTO P. NAZARENO Secretary General House of Represenatives

Approved: May 9, 2007

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO President of the Philippines