GMA CERTIFIES GORDON TOURISM BILL AS URGENT

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has certified as urgent the bill filed by Senator Richard Gordon reorganizing the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies to boost tourism and attract more investments in the industry.

In a communication to Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Malacañang Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita said that President Arroyo has certified to the necessity of the immediate enactment of Senate Bill No. 1238, principally authored by Senator Gordon.

The bill seeks, among others, to create Tourism Philippines, a corporation combining the functions of the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, the Philippine Tourism Authority and the promotions and marketing departments of the DOT to strengthen the promotion of the tourism industry.

To be governed principally by private sector representatives, Tourism Philippines will be supported by a funding scheme that would generate at least $100 million, of which at least half would be spent on the promotion of the Philippine tourism industry.

Gordon said his bill seeks to encourage investments in new hotels, resorts and other tourism enterprises through tax breaks and fast, friendly and efficient governance to truly create world-class establishments in the most beautifully, historical and culturally significant areas of our country.

Gordon explained that his bill would make the Philippines a major global player in tourism, first, by strengthening tourism industry promotions, second, increasing the countrys tourist accommodations, and third, by rallying the public and private sectors to support tourism development.

The bill had undergone significant revisions in the course of committee deliberations with representatives of the private sector, the DOT and other government agencies responsible for budget and investments, according to Gordon.

The Tourism Act of 2006 is not simply about tourism or its economic impact, explained Gordon. it is ultimately about building our self-worth as a people, not only through the dignity of work through investments generated, but in a genuine awareness of the richness of our history and culture, and the beauty of our country.