PRESIDENT Duterte has signed two measures into law establishing heritage zones in Carcar, Cebu and San Vicente, Ilocos Sur that would enable the reservation and tourism development of cultural properties in those areas.
Last January 14, Duterte signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 11644 or the Carcar City Heritage Zone Act, and RA No. 11645 or the “Act Establishing a Heritage Zone within the municipality of San Vicente, Ilocos Sur” but copies of the laws were only release yesterday by Malacanang.
Under RA No. 11644, the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall accord priority development tourism projects in Carcar City to promote and preserve its cultural and historical landmarks as well as highlight the uniqueness and beauty of the city, including all century-old architecturally significant houses.
The DOT, in coordination with the Provincial Government of Cebu, the City Government of Carcar, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Environment Natural Resources shall also prepare plans for the preservation, conservation, restoration and maintenance of cultural and historical sites and structures for the maintenance and sustainability of tourism in Carcar City.
Under RA No. 11645, the heritage zone in San Vicente shall include the “cultural properties declared as National Cultural Treasures and Important Cultural Properties as well as National Historical Landmarks, Shrines, Monuments, and Sites, and such other immovable, movable or intangible cultural properties whether publicly or privately owned.”
As in Carcar City, the DOT shall also coordinate with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, the municipal government of San Vicente, NCCA and other affiliated cultural agencies to prepare the development plan involving the preservation, conservation, restoration, and maintenance of cultural and historical sites and structures for the enhancement and sustainability of tourism” in the municipality.
The municipality of San Vicente shall, within one year from the effectivity of the law, pass an ordinance that will operationalize the management of the heritage zone.
Both RA No. 11644 and 11645 will take effect 15 days after their publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
