PB to consult stakeholders in creating ‘Tourism Code’

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board will hold a public consultation with tourism stakeholders to tackle the proposed Cebu Tourism Code.

The proposed ordinance titled as the “Tourism Code of the Province of Cebu” seeks to preserve, protect, develop, promote, and maximize Cebu province’s tourism and cultural resources and potentials to the fullest, which is attuned to the market demands of the industry.

Section 16 of RA 7160, commonly known as “The Local Government Code of 1991,” reads that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, as the legislative body of the province, shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions, and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the province and its inhabitants.

“Every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare,” the code reads.

The proposed ordinance recommends that the committee will conduct a public consultation and discussion with all the tourism stakeholders as well as the tourism officers of the different municipalities and cities to gather more inputs and to introduce further improvements on the subject.

The code shows a valid exercise of the powers vested in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Cebu Province.

Other objectives of this proposed code involves the strengthening of the Cebu Provincial Tourism and Heritage Council and creating the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office.

Moreover, the code aspires to institutionalize certain programs, projects and activities that promote tourism and monitor or assist municipalities and component cities in formulating and implementing their respective local tourism development plans, programs, projects and activities.

The tourism industry in the country remains and continues to be the leading contributor to the development of the national economy, and the Province of Cebu is considered as a premier tourist destination in the country.

From January to October last 2016, the Department of Tourism recorded over 2.5 million tourist arrivals in Cebu and shows a 10.8% increase in Central Visayas.

Cebu Provincial Tourism Head Boboi Costas said that he would still have to review the proposed code and inspect its components or affecting factors. —/GAN (FREEMAN)