local employment opportunities and generations of municipal revenues. It shall be the priority of the municipal government to ensure equitable distribution of benefits from the utilization of our heritage and, as such, there is hereby established a system of local community entrepreneurship in the operation and management of eco-tourism sites.
Sec. 4. Local Governance and Community Participation. The local government units shall adopt adequate measures to ensure that local communities within ecotourism sites are not deprived of opportunities for gainful livelihood and generation of revenues. For this purpose, the Sangguniang Bayan and Barangay Councils are hereby encouraged to enact appropriate legislations, subject to the carrying of the area on-site pollution control measures, provision of proper visitor services, amenities and facilities, site protection, and law enforcement.
Sec. 5. Authorized and Unauthorized Sites. In order to regulate the ecotourism industry in Urbiztondo, protect heritage resources and site destinations from adverse impacts, maintain favorable visitors services and facilities, and secure the well-being of local residents and visitors, the Mayor in coordination with the concerned Punong Barangays, Department of Tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other concerned national government agencies and instrumentalities shall, from time to time, determine, authorize and prescribe ecotourism sites of visitation and/or development within one (1) year from effectivity of this Code. Thereafter, access, visitation and/or development, as the case may be, to any unauthorized sites shall be prohibited and penalized. The Mayor shall, in the same manner as ecotourism sites are determined, submit to the Sangguniang Bayan his legislative agenda for this purpose.
Sec. 6. Preparation of Ecological Tourism Framework Plan. No eco-tourism site shall be authorized for operation, development or visitation without the prior approval of the framework plan thereof by the concerned Municipal Mayor, as the case may be; provided, that said plan shall be disapproved if and when the potential municipal revenues to be generated amounts to be less than ten (10) percent over and above the total estimated municipal investments. If necessary appropriate circulars and guidelines shall be issued for the preparation of framework plans, including the provision of technical and/or financial assistance to the concerned barangay in the preparation of the plans. The Plan shall include the following concerns:
a. carrying capacities of ecotourism sites;
b. conduct studies that can serve as basis for user fees in LGU – managed eco-tourism sites;
c. accreditation of eco-tourism service providers;
d. eco-tourism training and capacity – building;
e. assistance in eco-tourism product development;
f. development of eco-tourism standards and criteria;
g. zonification of eco-tourism;
h. provision of facilities/amenities for medical emergencies in eco-tourism.
Sec. 7. Ecological Tourism Plan Review. Within one (1) year from effectivity of this Code, the Mayor shall, together with the concerned Barangay Council, national government agencies, non- governmental organizations and private sector representatives, review the Municipal Eco-tourism Development Plan for the following purposes:
a. Prioritize eco-tourism zones and areas for development (as long as it complies with all the requirements, i.e. EIA System, Clean Air, Water, RA 8550, RA 9072, Cave and Cave Resources Act, RA 9147 Wildlife Act, PD 705 In case Project is within Public Forest Lands,
