The House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 9826, also known as the Boracay Island Development Authority (BIDA) Act, in its third and final reading on Monday, September 20.
192 lawmakers voted in favor while seven members of the House of Representatives voted against the measure that seeks to create BIDA, a government owned and controlled corporation that will manage, develop, operate, preserve, and rehabilitate the Boracay Island Development Zone.
HB 9826 states that the Boracay Island Development Zone will include the entirety of Boracay Island and surrounding islets including Brgy. Caticlan.
"The Development Zone shall be transformed into a self-sustaining industrial,commercial, leisure, financial, and investment center to generate employment opportunities and attract and promote productive local and foreign investments, while strictly prioritizing the protection and preservation of the natural resources and biodiversity of Boracay Island," the proposed law reads.
HB 9826 also tasks BIDA to formulate and implement the Boracay Action Plan geared towards investment sustainability and balanced development in the known tourist destination.
The bill also seeks to develop responsible tourism through the participation of local communities including indigenous peoples in conserving biophysical and cultural diversity.
