Three bills pushing for the development of three new tourist destinations in Ilocos Sur has been approved by the Senate.
Approved were House Bill No. (HBN) 6800, otherwise known as an Act Declaring Pinsal Falls in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur a Tourist Destination; HBN 6798, otherwise known as an Act Declaring the Candon City Ecotourism Zone in Candon, Ilocos Sur a Tourist Destination and HBN 6799, otherwise known as an Act Declaring Santiago Cove in Santiago, Ilocos Sur a Tourist Destination.
The measures were authored by Representatives Eric Singson and Karlos Nograles.
Under the bill, the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the local government units and other concerned agencies, shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of the appropriate infrastructure and facilities that shall enhance tourism in the area.
The development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the areas. The DOT shall also ensure that the development plan shall suit the natural characteristics of the new tourist destinations and shall include them in its national, regional and local promotions programs.
Funding for the development of the areas shall be sourced from the annual General Appropriations Act and from internally generated funds of the DOT.
Known as the Twin Falls, Pinsal Falls is known for its picturesque cascading waters. It is located in Barangay Santa Maria, bordering the province of Abra. The 85-foot waterfall also boasts pristine mini-pools on top of the falls.
Pinsal Falls boasts pristine mini-pools on top of the falls.
Called the Boracay of Ilocos Sur by locals, Santiago Cove is noted for its white sand and calm waters. Barangays near the cove can also give travelers a taste of rural life where they can buy fresh fish and other items at low prices.
Santiago Cove is called the Boracay of Ilocos Sur.
The Candon City Ecotourism Zone is host to a 132-hectare sprawling watershed. The local government of Ilocos Sur plans to recreate activities near the watershed to attract tourists. The place is also noted for its rich culture and food.
The Senate also approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2228, otherwise known as an Act Declaring the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park in Balanga, Bataan as an Ecotourism Zone.
Authored by Senators Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay and Loren Legarda, the bill seeks to develop and promote ecological tourism as the core management strategy in the development of the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park.
It also seeks to ensure the conservation of the biodiversity and the preservation of the park as well as the development of ecotourism products and programs aimed at generating employment and livelihood for local residents.