Press Release
February 3, 2006
GMA CERTIFIES GORDON TOURISM BILL AS URGENT
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has certified as urgent the bill
filed by Senator Richard Gordon reorganizing the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies to boost tourism and attract
more investments in the industry.
In a communication to Senate President Franklin Drilon and House
Speaker Jose de Venecia, Malacañang
Executive Secretary Eduardo R.
Ermita said that President Arroyo has certified to the necessity of
the immediate enactment of Senate Bill No. 1238, principally
authored by Senator Gordon.
The bill seeks, among others, to create Tourism Philippines, a
corporation combining the functions of the Philippine Convention and
Visitors Corporation, the Philippine Tourism Authority and the
promotions and marketing departments of the DOT to strengthen the
promotion of the tourism industry.
To be governed principally by private sector representatives,
Tourism Philippines will be supported by a funding scheme that would
generate at least $100 million, of which at least half would be
spent on the promotion of the Philippine tourism industry.
Gordon said his bill seeks to encourage investments in new hotels,
resorts and other tourism enterprises through tax breaks and fast,
friendly and efficient governance to truly create world-class
establishments in the most beautifully, historical and culturally
significant areas of our country.
Gordon explained that his bill would make the Philippines a major
global player in tourism, first, by strengthening tourism industry
promotions, second, increasing the countrys tourist accommodations,
and third, by rallying the public and private sectors to support
tourism development.
The bill had undergone significant revisions in the course of
committee deliberations with representatives of the private sector,
the DOT and other government agencies responsible for budget and
investments, according to Gordon.
The Tourism Act of 2006 is not simply about tourism or its economic
impact, explained Gordon. it is ultimately about building our
self-worth as a people, not only through the dignity of work through
investments generated, but in a genuine awareness of the richness of
our history and culture, and the beauty of our country. |