Tourism-boosting measure for low-income provinces pushed
A lawmaker is pushing for a measure that will boost the tourism industry of the country's low-income provinces.
Rep. Mauricio Domogan (lone district, Baguio City) said the tourism industry of the 20 priority provinces identified by the government would be assured of development assistance once House Bill no. 1028 is approved.
Under the measure, 25 percent of the government's travel tax collections would be allocated to boost the tourism in the 20 priority provinces.
As provided under Presidential Decree 1183, the travel tax, which is imposed on all Filipino citizens, permanent resident aliens, and non-immigrant aliens who, after having stayed in the Philippines for more than one year, are leaving the country, shall be used to develop tourism in the 20 identified provinces.
Currently, the Department of Tourism charges PhP1620. each time a Filipino travels to foreign destinations, except those who are exempted under the law.
The 20 provinces seen to benefit from HB No. 1028 are Abra, Agusan del Sur, Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Batanes, Benguet, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Kalinga, Masbate, Mt. Province, Romblon, Southern Leyte, Sulu, Surigao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi.
"These provinces are home to wonderful coves and fine sand beaches, underwater caves, crystal clear springs, breathtaking waterfalls and majestic mountains rich in fauna and flora. They boast of actual and potential natural and man-made tourist areas which if truly developed, would attract domestic and foreign tourists," Domogan said. (PNA)