REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7822 - AN ACT DECLARING LIMASAWA ISLAND IN THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE A TOURIST ZONE

Section 1.    Limasawa Island in the Province of Southern Leyte is hereby declared a tourist zone.  As such, it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist zones. 

Sec. 2.    The Department of Tourism, in coordination with the Philippine Tourism Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare within one year from the approval of this Act, a tourism development plan for Limasawa Island which shall provide for the construction, installation and/or maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure as shall encourage tourism in the area: provided, that said development plan shall ensure the protection and preservation of the natural beauty and historical significance thereof.

Sec. 3.    Upon approval by the Department of Tourism of the tourism development plan for Limasawa Island, it shall take immediate steps to expedite the implementation thereof and, for the purpose, shall incorporate the same in the department's overall tourism development programs for the ensuing calendar year.

Sec. 4.    The Department of Tourism shall likewise promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.  

Sec. 5.    This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: November 18, 1994