P H IL IP P IN E

C U LT U R E
A N D TO U R I S M
G EO G R A P H Y
PREPARED BY: MAGUIDALA-USMAN M. BEDAR
II
RA 9593:
TO U R I S M A C T O F
2009
TOPICS AND HIGHLIGHTS
FULL TITLE

A N A C T D E C L A R I N G A N AT I O N A L
P O L I C Y F O R TOURISM A S A N E NGIN E
O F I N V E S T M E N T, E M P L O Y M E N T,
G R O W T H A N D N AT I O N A L
D E V E L O P M E N T, A N D S T R E N G T H E N I N G
T H E D E PA R T M E N T O F T O U R I S M A N D I T S
AT TA C H E D A G E N C I E S T O E F F E C T I V E LY
A N D E F F I C I E N T LY I M P L E M E N T T H AT
P O L I C Y, A N D A P P R O P R I AT I N G F U N D S
THEREFOR
The new law RA 9593, The Tourism Act of 2009, was
established on May 12, 2009 as a policy that acknowledges
tourism as an “indispensible element of national economy
and an industry of national interest and importance.” In the
law, tourism is seen as an industry that must be harnessed
to stimulate socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation
to cause investments, foreign exchange and employment.
 Its general provision stated in Secti on 1 is to harness the potentials of
tourism “as an engine of socio-economic 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”.The state‟s perspective of tourism, as with the
rest of the other country‟s experience and plans, is seen through the
direct contributions on job creation, foreign exchange generation
and stimulation of large and usually foreign investments. The purpose
of this paper is to examine the new law RA 9593 in light of the
potentials of tourism in poverty reduction from the context of the
local governments in the Philippines.
The main objective of the law is to strengthen the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and its att ached agencies to effi ciently and effectively implement
tourism in the Philippines. The DOT is the authority in charge of product
development, regulating and monitoring and stimulating investments of the
tourism sector. A key agency which is a government owned and controlled
corporation and is an innovative feature of the new law is the creation of
the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in place of
the old Philippine Tourism Authority (RA 9593, Ch 1 Sec 4h). The TIEZA‟s
major role is according to Sub Chapter IV b, Sec 64 “…as a body corporate
which shall designate, regulate and supervise the Tourism Enterprise
Zones (TEZ), as well as develop, manage and supervise tourism
infrastructure projects in the country.
The main objective of the law is to strengthen the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and its att ached agencies to effi ciently and effectively implement
tourism in the Philippines. The DOT is the authority in charge of product
development, regulating and monitoring and stimulating investments of the
tourism sector. A key agency which is a government owned and controlled
corporation and is an innovative feature of the new law is the creation of
the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in place of
the old Philippine Tourism Authority (RA 9593, Ch 1 Sec 4h). The TIEZA‟s
major role is according to Sub Chapter IV b, Sec 64 “…as a body corporate
which shall designate, regulate and supervise the Tourism Enterprise
Zones (TEZ), as well as develop, manage and supervise tourism
infrastructure projects in the country.
ROLE OF
TO U R I S M I N

P H IL IP P IN ES
There is no question that tourism is the one of the world‟s largest and
fastest growing industry. The Philippines is no exception as far as the
effects of tourism in national growth. In 2008 alone, 3.4 million tourist
arrivals resulted into US$4.4 billion visitor receipts (DOT, 2008). Despite the
financial crisis, this has been preceded by previous years of an average
annual growth of 8.21% that is third to Vietnam (9.44%) and Malaysia
(8.92%) in the Pacifi c Region (UNWTO, 2009). According to the Medium
Term Philippine Development Plan for Tourism Sector for 2004-2010, it
targets in 2010, 5 million tourist arrivals that will result to 6.10 million jobs
and US$4.86 billion in tourist receipts.
The rapid growth of the tourism sector in developing countries, the
Philippines included, is instrumental for poverty reduction. According to
Wong (undated), this rapid growth is rising much faster in developing
countries than developed countries and serves as the principal export of
one third of these countries. Wong further argues that tourism is a driver of
understanding between peoples. It is an effective instrument with which to
eradicate poverty and to improve the legitimate aspirations and well-being
of citizens. Tourism in this sense is seen as one of the solutions to grinding
poverty in poor countries.
Top tourist attractions in the Philippines
2021
 The Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea is a
marine sanctuary protected as the
Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The
reef is made up of two atolls, North Atoll

10. T U B B ATA H A and South Atoll, separated by a deep

channel of approximately 5 miles (8 km)

REEF wide. It has become one of the most

popular dive sites in the Philippines because
of its coral walls where the shallow coral
reef abruptly ends giving way to great
depths. The marine park is open to live-
aboard diving excursions between the
months of April to June when the waves are
most calm.
 Located in Manila, a visit to the San Agustin
Church is a must see. Built in 1589, this

9. SA N
beautiful church has survived seven
earthquakes and two fires over the centuries
and now remains as the oldest stone church
AGUSTIN in the Philippines. At the main entrance,
there are exquisite carvings on the wooden
doors. Inside the lovely, Mexican-influenced
interior is designed in the shape of a Latin
C H UR C H , cross. The gorgeous ceiling was painted in
the 1800s by Italian artists, Giovanni Dibella

MANIL and Cesare Alberoni.

A
 Rising more than 8,000 feet (2,400 meters)
above sea level, Mayon Volcano is
significant for its perfectly symmetrical cone
shape. Visitors can enjoy a number of

8 . M AY O N
activities here such as camping, climbing,
hiking, bird watching and photography. A
picturesque spot in which to admire Mayon
Volcano is from the nearby Ca g s awa ruins.
Mayon is the most active volcano in the
V O LC ANO Philippines, having erupted over 49 times in
the past 400 years. The most destructive
eruption of Mayon occurred on February 1,
1814 bombarding the nearby towns with
volcanic rocks. The belfry and what is left of
the baroque church that was destroyed by
the 1814 eruption can still be seen.
 A small island made up of quiet fishing
villages, Malapascua Island is popular for its
7. ideal diving spots and for being the only
place in the world to see thresher sharks on
MA L A P A S C UA a regular basis as well as manta rays and
hammerheads. The other hidden gems here
ISLAND are the beautiful, sandy white beaches,
crystal clear waters bordered by coconut
trees and colorful coral gardens.
 Just south of Manila is the charming coastal
town of Puerto Galera, well-favored for its
gorgeous beaches, excellent diving spots
and wide diversity of marine species. The
most popular beaches are White Beach and
6 . P U E R TO Sabang Beach, which also offer nearby
shopping, dining, nightlife and hotel
GALERA accommodation. Another popular attraction
is the natural harbor of Muelle Bay with its
rows of shops, restaurants and bars. Visitors
can also go snorkeling to see some of
Asia’s best coral reefs or dive among old
shipwrecks and hundreds of fish species.
 Located on the northern coast of the island
of Palawa, Puerto Princesa is a nature
lover’s paradise. Home to unspoiled

5 . P U E R TO landscapes rich in wildlife, this lovely town

also lays claim to one of the world’s most

PRINCESA unique natural phenomena, an underground

river known as the Puerto Princesa

UNDERGROU Subterranean River. Protected within a

national park, this natural wonder is the

N D R IV ER world’s longest navigable underground river.

Guided paddle boat tours show intriguing
rock formations and fluttering bats.
 Located in the province of Sorsogon, a
place of pristine beaches, stunning
waterfalls and unexplored caves, the sleepy
fishing village of Donsol is the place in the
Philippines to see whale sharks. The ocean’s
gentle giants can be seen between

4. D O N S O L November and June, with the numbers

peaking between February and May. Tourists
can also take a boat cruise along the
Donsol River through mangrove and palm
trees, and watch the night light up with
millions of sparkling fireflies. If that’s not
enough, a traditional shrimp-catching
expedition with bamboos and nets,
followed by a tasty dinner of the cooked
catch is also available.
 One of the top tourist attractions in the
Philippines, The Chocolate Hills are unusual
geological formations that consists of at
least 1,268 individual mounds scattered
throughout the interior of the island of
Bohol. The almost symmetrical and same-

3 . C H O C O L AT E sized formations range from 98 to 164 feet

(30 to 50 meters) high and are covered in

HILLS
green grass. During the dry season the grass
turns brow, hence the name. There is no
consensus on how these giant mole hills
were formed. One theory holds that the
Chocolate Hills are the weathered rock
formations of a kind of marine limestone on
top of an impermeable layer of clay.
 Boracay may be a small island, but it packs
great features such as award-winning
beaches, beautiful resorts and great
adventures like cliff diving, parasailing,
motorbiking, horse riding, snorkeling, kite
surfing and scuba diving. If that is not
2 . B O R A C AY enough, boat tours allow visitors to watch
stunning sunsets, explore volcanic caves and
remote coves of turquoise lagoons. When
the sun sets, Boracay night-life pulsates
with many bars and restaurants serving
food, drinks and fun until dawn.
 No trip to the Philippines could be complete
without seeing the spectacular Banaue Rice
Terraces. Carved from the mountain ranges
about 2,000 years ago without modern tools
by the Ifugao tribes, these magnificent farm

1. B A N A U E R I C E terraces resemble giant steps reaching up

to the sky. Locals to this day still plant rice
TERRACES and vegetables on the terraces, although
more and more younger Ifugaos do not find
farming appealing and emigrate to the
cities.
R O L E O F DOT IN
T H E TO U R I S M
INDUSTRY O F THE
PHILIPPINES.
THE DEPARTMENT O F TOURISM ( D OT ) IS MANDATED TO E N C O U R A G E , P RO M OT E ,
A ND D E V E LO P TO UR IS M A S A MA J O R S O C IO - E C O NO MIC A C TIV ITY TO G E NE R A TE
F O R E I G N C U R R E N C Y AND L O C A L E M P LOY M E N T AND TO S P R E A D THE B E N E F I T S
O F TOURISM TO A WIDER S E G M E N T O F THE P O P U L AT I O N WITHTHE
S U P P O RT, A S S IS TA NC E , A ND C O O P E R A TIO N O F BO TH THE P R IV A TE
A ND P UBLIC S E C TO R S .
THE D O T A S S UR E S THE S A F E , C O NV E NIE NT, E NJ O Y A BLE S TA Y A ND
TR A V E L O F F O R E I G N AND L O C A L TO U R I S T S IN THE
C O U N T R Y.

UNDER THE MOA, THE D OT IS TA S K E D TO P R O V I D E T E C H N I C A L

A S S IS TA NC E TO LO C A L C O MMUNITIE S IN E S TA BLIS HING
S US TA INA BLE TOURISM E N T E R P R I S E S AND ACTIVITIES
UNDER A S U S TA I N A B L E
TO U R I S M - B I O D I V E R S I T Y C O N S E R VAT I O N FRAMEWORK
AND IMP LE ME NTA TIO N P LA N, A ND TO FA C ILITA TE ITS
A D O P TIO N.
DIFFERENT K I N D O F

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
IN THE PHILIPPINES
1 OUT 7
T RI CYCL E

The tricycle is a motorcycle with a sidecar. I’ve seen two-seat, four-

seat, and six seat side cars. I’ve also seen more than six people
piled in and hanging off a less-than-six-seat side car. The tricycle is
popular throughout the provinces of the Philippines. In some small
towns and villages where there are no buses and cars, it’s all you’ll
see. They are noisy and if shared, are quite cheap. I’ve paid 9 pesos
(.25 US) in a shared tricycle from Sagay, 5 km down the road to Old
Sagay. Sometimes they follow routes, but not always.
2 OUT 7
PEDICAB

The man-powered bicycle with att ached side car is another

popular form of local transport. You’ll mainly see this in the small
towns and villages. The best part about the pedicab is that it’s
green—no exhaust and no noise. After any amount of time in big-
city Philippines, you will appreciate these two things.
 3 OUT 7
JEEPNEY

The Jeepney is the ultimate Philippine form of transportation. It is a

national icon and one of the aspects of life that remain constant across
this diverse, several-thousand-island archipelago. The jeepney is a sort of
cross between a minibus and a share taxi. They were traditionally jury-
rigged from jeeps and other vehicles that were left behind by the US
military after WW II. Jeepneys are often times decked out with wild decals
and graphics as diverse as cartoon characters to hilarious slogans to
religious motifs. Jeepneys are a fun and necessary experience for the

traveler, except, that is, when you’ve got on your big backpack. The
 4 OUT 7
C A LE S A

Calesa is an enjoyable and old-fashioned way to get around town. They

aren’t in every town in the Philippines—I only saw them in Manila, Vigan,
and a few other select towns in Luzon. Calesa is a horse-drawn cart.
They’re mostly used for tourists now, but no matter, it’s still a great
throwback. I hired a calesa for an hour-long tour around Vigan, a
colonial city in the north.
 5 OUT 7
FO O
T
My preferred method of transport and the only truly reliable sort.
Surprisingly, not many Filipinos walk places. They usually opt for the
pedicab or tricycle for a short journey. It’s hard to understand why, seeing
that most people here don’t seem to have a lot of extra cash handy. As a
traveler, walking is the best way to get to know a new place. Lots of
people greeted me on my walks, some even saying “hey Joe”, a leftover
from the old days of World War II when there were lots of American GIs
around.
 6 OUT 7
BA NKA / F E RRY
BO A T
Bangkas and ferry boats are prevalent around the Philippines, but
especially vital in the Visayas, where nearly every city has some kind of
water transport service. Bangkas are wooden outrigger boats and a
true trip to The Philippines wouldn’t be complete without one. Big ferry
boats ply the long and heavily used routes, while bankas serve the
smaller, shorter passages. Although longer ferry services are now being
reduced as budget airlines grow.
 8 OUT 7
AIRPLANE

Much like Indonesia, flying is becoming more commonplace due to the

fact that The Philippines is spread out over thousands of islands and
kilometers. Some budget airlines are Philippine Airlines, Airphill Express,
Cebu Pacifi c, Zest Air, and Sea Air. Usually better rates can be obtained
if ordered in advance and sometimes even really low fares will be
offered. Remember, as eco-conscious travelers, to make an effort to use
flights sparingly. Low and slow transport is usually greener.
H O S TEL
HOSTELS
A BA C KP A C KE R S TA P LE , HO S TE L D O RMS A RE A F F O RD A BLE P LA C E S
TO REST YO U R HEAD F O R THE NIGHT WHEN B A C K PA C K I N G IN THE
P HILIP P INE S . HO S TE LS A RE S TILL A RE LA TIV E LY NE W P HE NO ME NO N,
BUT ARE G R O W I N G IN P O P U L A R I T Y IN TO U R I ST Y B A C K PA C K E R
A R E A S L IKE PALAWAN AND C E B U . P R I C E S R A N G E FROM $ 5 US D TO
$ 3 0 U S D / N I G H T D E P E N D I N G ON THE S I Z E O F YO U R RO O M ,
L O C AT I O N AND O V E R A L L STANDARD. H O S T E L S ARE THE P E R F E C T
C HO IC E F O R A D V E NTURO US , S O C IA L TRA V E LLE RS O N A BUD G E T A S
THEY O F F E R C O M M O N A R E A S FO R G U E S T S TO MEET E A C H OTHER,
TEND TO BE C L O S E TO BEAUTIFUL B E A C H E S AND H OT S P OT S , AND
C A N BE B O O K E D D AY- B Y- D AY, ALLOWING F O R S P O N TA N E I T Y.
Q UA LITY V A RIE S , BUT MO D E RN HO S TE LS US UA LLY O F F E R
WIF I,
LA UND RY F A C ILITIE S , D A ILY A C TIV ITIE S , A ND O F TE N HA V E A BA R
O N SITE! WE' LL CHEERS TO THAT.
HOTELS &
RESORTS
IN THE PHILIPPINES A HOTEL C A N MEAN ANYTHING FROM A
LU X U R I O U S B E A C H - F R O N T F I V E STAR R E S O R T, C O M P L E T E WITH
BUTLE RS A ND HE A LTH S P A S , TO A S US P E C T MO TE L WITH BA RS
O N THE WINDOW, S O IT DEFI NI TELY PAY S TO DO
SOME RESEARCH.
BUD G E T HO TE LS WILL HA V E A T LE A S T A F A N O R S MA LL A IR
C O N UNIT ( T H O U G H IF YO U ’ RE BY THE O C E A N YO U
C A N TAKE
A D VA N TA G E O F THE S E A B R E E Z E ) , MID R A N G E H OT E L S IN TOWNS
AND C I T I E S WILL C E R TA I N LY H AV E HOT WATER, BE C O M F O R TA B L E
AND TEND TO H AV E A SMALL RESTAURANT AT TA C H E D, WHILE TOP
END H OT E L S O P E R AT E D BY INTERNATIONAL C H A I N S WILL B O A S T
C H I C R O O M S , B U F F E TS AND PLENTY O F B O U G I E FA C I L I T I E S .
A NY O NE UP F O R A MA S S A G E ? IT ’ S G E NE RA LLY NO T NE C E S S A RY TO
B O O K H OT E L S IN A D VA N C E U N L E S S YO U ARE VI SI TI NG AT PEAK
TIMES I . E. C H R I S T M A S , NEW Y EA R , O R DURING A MA JOR L O C A L
F E S TIV A L, BUT BO O KING Y O UR S TA Y IS P A RT O F THE A NTIC IP A TO RY
FUN.
T R A D ITIO N A L
BEACH HUTS
IF YO U WANT TO H AV E AN AUTHENTIC ISLAND H O P P I N G
E X P E R I E N C E AND R EA L LY G O O F F THE G RI D, WHY NOT S TAY IN A
TRA D ITIO NA L F ILIP INO BE A C H HUT? THE S E A RE F O UND O N RE MO TE
I S L A N D S , S U C H A S THE O N E S BETWEEN C O R O N AND EL NIDO IN
PALAWAN, AND P R O V I D E AN AUTHENTIC E X P E R I E N C E L IKE NO
OTHER . ON INTRO' S PHILIPPINESISLAND E X P L O R E R WE G E T O F F -
THE - BE A TE N P A TH O N A 3 D A Y BO A T E X P E D ITIO N IN THIS BE A UTIF UL
PART O F THE WORLD, S TAY I N G IN HUTS ON REMOTE I S L A N D S . Y O U
WON’ T FIND WIFI... BUT Y O U WILL FIND M O S Q U I TO NETS, S H A R E D
BA THRO O MS , A ND NA TURA L BE A UTY A LL A RO UND Y O U. S TA Y ING
O N THE BEACH, C O O K I N G O V E R AN O P E N FIRE
UNDERNEATHAN
INF INITE S MA TTE RING O F S TA RS , F O LLO WE D BY F A LLING A S LE E P TO
THE S O U N D O F THE WAV ES , THEN WAKING UP TO S U N R I S E . . . S I G N
US UP.
GUESTHOUSES
/ BED &
B R EA K F A S T
MA NY P RIV A TE F A MILY HO ME S O F F E R A F F O RD A BLE LO D G ING F O R
G U E S T S TRAV EL L ING THE PHILIPPINES. YO U ’ LL BE O F F E R E D YO U R
O WN RO O M, A P RIV A TE BA THRO O M, A ND A C O MP LIME NTA RY
LO C A L B R EA K FA ST. PLUS, IT ’ S A G R E AT O P P O RT UNI T Y TO
EXPERIENCE
FILIPINO L I F E S T Y L E , MEET L O C A L S AND C U LT U R A L LY IMMERSE
Y O URS E LF IN A WA Y Y O U O THE RWIS E C O ULD N’ T. THE HO ME MA D E
F O O D WILL P R O B A B LY BE THE MO ST AUTHENTIC YO U ' LL TASTE
WHILE TRAVEL LI NG ! YO U C A N A L S O S E A R C H F O R AIRBNBS IN THE
P HILIP P INE S F O R A S IMILA R E X P E RIE NC E , THO UG H BE A WA RE
THA T THE SITE IT IS L E S S P OP UL A R HERE THAN OTHER
COUNTRIES.
A PA R T M E N T S &
CONDOS

F O R L O N G E R AND HI GHE R B U D G E T S TAY S IN THE PHILIPPINES,

P RIV A TE LY O WNE D A P A RTME NTS C A N BE RE NTE D IN C ITIE S A ND BIG
TO WNS . A S IMILA R O P TIO N A RE C O ND O MINIUMS O R ‘ C O ND O S ’,
UNITS IN A LA RG E HI- RIS E BUILD ING S O F TE N O WNE D BY A
RE A L ES TAT E C O M PA N Y. C O N D O S TEND TO COME
FURNISHED AND
RE A D Y TO US E , A ND A RE US UA LLY LO C A TE D IN BUS INE S S
DISTRICTS.
 D IF F E R E N T K IN D
OF
T R A N S P O R T A T IO N
IN T H E
PHILIPPINES
F a s t food or Q u i c k s e r v i c e Restaurants.
the cities the Philippines. Fast food restaurants are the best for those are in rush for work or meetings.
Those restaurants that serve food in a short time – in about 10 minutes.
Casual Restaurants
They have more in menu items with a relaxed ambiance. Casual restaurants are as plenty as you can
count. They are actually the most common restaurants in the Philippines. Therefore you will find all kinds
of different casual restaurants spread over whether you are in Metro Manila or any other Filipino city.
Whether international cuisine or local type. The price there is affordable but no as low as in fast food
restaurants.
 Casual Restaurants
They have more in menu items with a relaxed ambiance. Casual restaurants are as plenty as you can
count. They are actually the most common restaurants in the Philippines. Therefore you will find all
kinds of different casual restaurants spread over whether you are in Metro Manila or any other Filipino
city.
Whether international cuisine or local type. The price there is affordable but no as low as in fast
food restaurants.
 Fine-dining Restaurants
Pricier cuisine and longer service time. The staff usually in uniform with neck tie. You need to
reserve before going to eat. They are found in 5 stars hotels and alike. Some offer rich open
buffets, others serve foods that are being cooked upon order. Of course , you must have you wallet
packed.
 “ W e t a ke p h o to s
a s a return
ti cket to a
o t h e r w i s emgoomneen” t
– Katie Thurmes