The historic Bagacay Point Lighthouse in Liloan, Cebu is moving closer to gaining official tourism destination status after the House of Representatives approved a measure seeking its development on third and final reading.
House Bill No. 9553, principally authored by Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, was among the measures passed by lawmakers to expand Cebu’s tourism offerings.
The bill seeks to formally declare the Bagacay Point Lighthouse as a tourism destination, allowing it to receive government support for development and inclusion in tourism promotion programs.
Under the proposed measure, the Department of Tourism (DOT) would prioritize the lighthouse’s development and provide technical assistance, subject to existing rules for tourism destinations.
The Municipality of Liloan would be required to prepare a tourism development plan within one year after the proposed law takes effect.
The plan would cover infrastructure and facilities needed to improve access and accommodate visitors while preserving the lighthouse’s historical significance.
Liloan’s local government would coordinate with the DOT and other government agencies in preparing and implementing the plan.
The DOT would assist the municipality in tourism capacity building and include the site in national and regional tourism promotion efforts.
Funding would primarily come from the annual budget of the Liloan municipal government, while the DOT could augment the funding through internally generated funds.
The local government would also have to formulate implementing rules and regulations within 60 days after the measure takes effect, in consultation with the DOT and other concerned agencies.
Frasco said the measure could help strengthen Cebu’s tourism industry while creating livelihood opportunities for communities around the site.
The Bagacay Point Lighthouse proposal is part of a broader effort to develop additional tourism sites in Cebu beyond established destinations.
The House also approved on third reading House Bill No. 9554, which seeks to declare Santiago Public Beach in San Francisco, Camotes Islands, as a tourism destination.
The lighthouse measure will now proceed to the next stages of the legislative process.
Photo courtesy of BioOne
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