By Charissa Luci-Atienza
Deputy Majority Leader and Pangasinan Rep. Christopher De Venecia wants to declare the municipality of Manaoag in Pangasinan as a tourist destination.
(EPA / MANILA BULLETIN)
He cited the need to adopt policies and measures that would protect the historical significance of the area, while ensuring its accessibility and security to visitors.
“It is with the best interest of the government to provide a comprehensive development plan to cater to the needs of the tourists visiting Manaoag considering our commitment to preserving and developing our national heritage,” the House leader said.
He noted that in 2018, approximately seven million local and foreign tourists visited the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag to pray and venerate the Our Lady of Manaoag, one of the most venerated Marian images in the country.
De Venecia filed House Bill 4080 seeking to declare Manaoag, Pangasinan, as a tourist destination.
"The measure mandates the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and in consultation with the local government units of Manaoag, to come up with a comprehensive development plan for all areas attached to the Manaoag Shrine and the development of all areas leading to and from Manaoag,” he said.
He noted that during the 17th Congress, the bill was passed on third and final reading in the Lower Chamber, and was transmitted to the Senate, but was not acted upon.
HB 4080 tasks the DOT, in coordination with the local government of Manaoag, to prepare a tourism development plan which shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the historical significance of the area.
Along with the DPWH, the DOT is also mandated to develop a construction plan involving the installation, and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall improve the overall features of the area to ensure its accessibility and the security of the tourists.
Under the bill, the DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall take immediate steps to implement the appropriate tourism development plan for municipality of Manaoag. The development plan shall be incorporated in the National Tourism Development Plan, the measure provides.
“The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT,” the bill said.