Misamis Oriental Representative Juliette Uy has filed a bill seeking to declare her home province as a tourism zone, given its various potentials to attract foreign and local visitors to its fine white sand beaches, nature parks and various cultural and historical sites.
Uy, a member of the National Unity Party (NUP) representing her province’s 2nd district, said her proposed law will mandate the Department of Tourism (DOT) to place on its priority list the development of Misamis Oriental as a tourism gateway to Northern Mindanao.
Under Uy’s House Bill 1464, the DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other concerned government agencies, is tasked to prepare the necessary tourism spot development plan for Misamis Oriental.
The tourism plan will provide for the province’s development and maintenance, including improvement and restoration of sites in conformity with set standards, and the construction of hotels, resorts, restaurants, recreational facilities and other appropriate facilities and infrastructure that will ensure the preservation of the ecological balance and natural beauty of the area, Uy said.
Uy said that under her proposal, the DOT is mandated to implement the development plan and incorporate it in the Department's overall tourism development program.
In partnership with local officials, the DOT will also encourage the private sector to invest in tourism-related ventures such as resorts, restaurants, transportation, tours and travel offices in Misamis Oriental, Uy added.
"The advancement in the province will bring about an improved peace and order situation brought about by a constituency that is gainfully employed in thriving tourism businesses," Uy said.
Uy pointed out that the province of Misamis Oriental offers various tourism potentials on top of its fine white sand beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
"With its many nature parks, coastal areas and a multicultural population, it is the most convenient starting point towards the many attractions that the Northern Mindanao Region has to offer," Uy stressed.
Misamis Oriental is also home to several springs and waterfalls that will entice ecotourists, and caves that will capture the interest of spelunkers and anthropologists because of their rare beauty and unique formations.
Uy said the province also has several historical and cultural sites such as the century-old church in Jasaan; the Vega ancestral home in Balingasag; Lagbas ancestral home in Sugbobgcogon; Al Sulawan Point in Laguindingan and the old municipal building in Initao which should all be classified as official tourist sites.
"With all of these that the province has to offer, there is a need for a specific coherent policy that shall guide the formulation of sound tourism plans and codes at the local level," Uy said.