IN an effort to boost national and local tourist spots in the country, Quezon City District V Rep. PM Vargas has pushed for the landmark bill “Culture, Arts, Tourism and Heritage Councils in Every Province Act.”

This legislative measure aims to establish dedicated culture and tourism councils across the Philippines to unlock the country’s untapped tourism landscape and empower the local communities.

“As the country is significantly regaining its momentum in tourism, it is crucial to take this window of opportunity to promote economic growth through purposeful and culturally engaging travels among tourists,” Vargas pointed out as he filed House Bill (HB) No. 4541.

The measure which was originally filed by his older brother and former District V Rep. Alfred Vargas, envisions local councils equipped with the resources and expertise to 1) develop and promote unique tourism experiences for each locality; 2) boost local economies by strengthening support to small, micro and medium business enterprises and 3) foster community engagement with the localized planning and development that integrates the communities’ cultural heritage.

The proposed measure is anchored on the key role of the National Commission on Culture and Arts and the Local Government Units to create, organize and promote initiatives for arts, culture, tourism and heritage at the grassroots level.

Vargas, who is hopeful of his fellow legislators support for the measure, emphasizes that “We have plenty more untapped tourism gems in the country that remain in need of local support and worthy of becoming world-class destinations”

The legislator filed the bill in September of 2022 and has been pending with the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture since.

At the onset of 2024, the Department of Tourism targets more than 7 million visitors in the country based on the surge of tourism receipts observed in 2023.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco