HB01374: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY APPOINTMENT OF TOURISM OFFICERS IN PROVINCES AND CITIES AND OPTIONAL APPOINTMENT IN MUNICIPALITIES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991 AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTH
This bill mandates the appointment of Tourism Officers in provinces and cities, with optional appointments in municipalities, by amending Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the "Local Government Code of 1991". The proposed legislation recognizes tourism's significant impact on the Philippine economy, citing its contribution to GDP and employment generation, with the industry creating approximately 100,000 jobs in 2017. The bill addresses the current non-compliance of most local government units with Republic Act No. 9593, which requires a permanent plantilla position for a tourism officer, a provision absent in the existing Local Government Code.
The mandatory appointment of tourism officers aims to strengthen tourism safeguards and ensure dedicated personnel are working to develop tourism products and programs at the local level. These officers will be responsible for preparing and implementing local tourism development plans, enforcing tourism standards, and coordinating with national agencies like the Department of Tourism (DOT). By providing a dedicated position for tourism development, the bill seeks to harness tourism's potential as an engine for sustainable socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation, ultimately contributing to poverty alleviation strategies within local government units.