Bill declares Alba y municipality as ecotourism zone A lawmaker has proposed to declare the Municipality of Jovellar in the province of Albay as an ecotourism zone to generate investment and foreign exchange in the area. Rep. Fernando . !onzalez "#rd $istrict% Albay& said 'ouse (ill )*+, will fast track the recognition of the municipality-s hidden wonders and also provide employment opportunities for local residents. n filing the measure% !onzalez cited Republic Act *)*# or the /ourism A ct of 011* declaring tourism as an indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national interest and importance% which must be harnessed as an engine of socio2economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment% foreign exchange and employment and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all Filipinos. !onzalez% a vice2chairperson of the 'ouse 3ommittees on (icol Recovery and 4conomic $ev elopme nt and /ran sporta tio n% sai d the Mun ici pal ity of Jovell ar off ers tremendous tourism potentia l such as the 5igpit67uitan day Fall s% caves and underg round river and the 7uipia River that runs all the way to butanding2famous $onsol in 5orsogon. 8$eveloping Jovellar into an ecotourism zone will generate investment and foreign exchange in the area and will also provide employment opportunities for local residents. 9ith the influx of tourists% the ecotourism zone will be significant source of business opportunities%: !onzalez said. 'owever% !onzalez said the lack of sufficient lodging and retail facilities and round2 the 2cl ock public tra nsport ati on hin der the soc io2 economic and environ menta l development of the area. !onzalez said all these problems will be properly addressed once the Municipality of Jovellar becomes an ecotourism zone. ;nder the bill% the declaration of Jovellar as an ecotourism zone shall be accorded priority development by the $epartment of /o urism "$</&% and shall be sub=ect to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist zones. /he $</% in coordination with the local government units ">!;s& concerned% and other concerned agencies of the government% is directed to prepare a development plan involving the construction% installation and maintenance of such appropriate faculties and infrastructure% which shall enhance tourism in the area. /he development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural NR # 4004 OCT 31, 2015