Municipality of Carmen

Province of Agusan del Norte

Tourism Development Code

 Carmen, Agusan del Norte Tourism Development
Guidelines

Article I
Concepts And DEFINITIONS

Section 1. CONCEPT OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ZONE/

TOURISM ESTATE
Tourism Development Zone/ Tourism Estate refers to a tract of land with defined
boundaries, suitable for development into an integrated resort complex, with prescribed
carrying capacities of tourist facilities and activities, such as, but not limited to, resorts and
recreation centers, accommodations, convention and cultural facilities, food and beverage
outlets, commercial establishments and other special interest and attraction activities/
establishments, and provided with roads, water supply facilities, power distribution facilities,
drainage and sewage systems and other necessary infrastructure and public utilities. A Tourism
Development Zone/ Tourism Estate shall be under unified and continuous management and
can either be a component of an eco-zone or the whole eco-zone itself (Par. 1.1 of PEZA Res.
No. 02-340).

Section 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Tourism- Oriented - any legal undertaking or enterprise geared towards the

Establishments/ provision of services, convinience or entertainment to the
public in general and to tourists in particular.
Local Government Units - Municipality of Carmen, Province of Agusan del Norte
Provincial Gorvernment - Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte

Carrying Capacity - the number of establishments/ people which can be

supported by the municipality causing undue damage to
the ecosystem.

CNC - Certificate of Non-Coverage

ECC - Environmental Compliance Certificate

EIA/EIS - Environmental Impact Assessment/ Study

Endemic Species - species or sub-species which are naturally occuring and

found only in specific areas in the country

Exotic Species - species or sub-species which do not naturally occur in the

country

DAR - Department of Agrarian Reform

DENR - Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DOT - Department of Tourism

DOTC - Department of Transportation and Communication

DPWH - Department of Public Works and Highways

LTO - Land Transportation Office

PEZA - Philippine Economic Zone Authority

CT-REDCOM - Carmen Tourism Review and Development

Committee

ARTICLE II
ADMINISTRATION

Section 1. CREATION OF REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

There shall be created a Review and Development Committee (REDCOM) to be
composed of the following:
Chairman - Office of the Mayor
Members - Office of the Municipal Planing and
Development Coordinator;
Municipal Tourism Office;
MENRO;
Municipal Engineer’s Office;
 Department of Environment and Natural Resources/
EMB Region;
Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator; and;
Municipal Engineer

Section 2. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

The REDCOM shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Review and assess development plans and projects of proponents to determine whether
or not they are in accordance with these development guidelines;
2. Review and submit comments and recommendations on the proposed policies/
ordinances related to tourism development as may be referred by the Sangguniang
Bayan.
3. Based on the review done, make the recommendation to the LGUs and other concerned
agencies wheter permits and other clearances should be issued;
4. Require the revision of the submitted development plans by the applicants should they
not comply with the guidelines; and,
5. Enlist the support and assistance of government agencies and other concerned bodies
should this be required to make a thorough assessment of the plan.

Section 3. DELINEATION OF THE JURISDICTION OF THE REDCOM AND

THE LGUs
1. REDCOM has jurisdiction over all tourism-related projects within Carmen with a
minimum cinstruction cost of TWO MILLION PESOS (P2,000,000);
2. Local Government Units have jurisdiction over all other projects not covered by
REDCOM review procedures.

ARTICLE III
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALL TYPES OF
ESTABLISHMENT

Section 1. PROJECT OWNERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

No person, whether natural or juridical, public or private, shall use any land pr establish
or construct any structure, or change the existing use of land or structure, or extend/ enlarge
any structure for any purpose whatsoever within Carmen, unless the following requirements
are complied with:
 1. Project ownership iss in accordance with existing laws;
2. The proponent/s have lawful possession of the land and/ or have lawful rights to
develop the land;
3. The land use and structures of the project are in accordance with these
development guidelines, rules and regulations;
4. The development project has been issued the required permits and clearances
following the steps enumerated hereunder:

STEPS:
Step 1: Preparation and submission of Development Plan with ECC/CNC and other
documentary requirements to the LGU
Responsibility : Developer
Step 2: Review and Evaluation of Plan vis-a-vis the Tourism Development Guidelines for
Carmen, Agusan del Norte
Responsibility : REDCOM
If Passed - Proceed to Step 3
If Failed - Back to Step 1
Step 3: Endorsement to LGU for issuance of building permit
Responsibility : REDCOM
Step 4: Issuance if Building Permit
Responsibility : LGU
Step 5: Project Implementation including mitigating measures of ECC
Responsibility : Developer
Step 6: Project Monitoring
Responsibility : LGU and REDCOM
Step7: Issuance of Occupancy Permit
Responsibility : LGU
Step 8: Issuance of Business Permit
Responsibility : LGU

Section 2. COMPLIANCE TO STANDARDS

1. Unless otherwise require by law, all tourism-related establishments shall secure
favorable endorsement from the REDCOM prior to the issuance/ renewal of their
business permits to ensure continuing compliance of the physical development
guidelines and minimum DOT standards.
 ARTICLE IV
DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

Section 1. PRESERVATION/ CONSERVATION OF NATURAL AND MAN-MADE

RESOURCES

A. FLORA
1. Any plan to cut endemic trees shall be incorporated in the EIA/ project description of the
development project and shall be subject to the prescribed guidelines of and mitigating
measures to be imposed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR).
2. Cutting of trees shall strictly follow existing rules prescribed by DENR and/ or local
ordinances of the same nature.
3. Planting of multi-species of trees, plants, shrubs, etc. Shall form part of development
project in order to enhance biodiversity conservation.
4. Planting of invasive/ exotic (non-indigenous) plants shall be subject to DA Plant
Quarantine Guidelines, EIA System (PD 1586) and Local Ordinances.

B. FAUNA
1. Hunting and gathering of fauna for any purpose shall be in accordance with Sec. 17,
Chapter III, Article I of R.A. 1974 which states that, “Breeding of propagation of wildlife for
commercial purposes shall be allowed by the Secretary or the authorized representative
pursuant to Section 6 through the issuance of wildlife farm/ culture permit: Provided that
only progenies of wildlife raised as well as unproductive parent stock shall be utilized for
trade; Provided further, that commercial breeding operation for wildlife, whenever
appropriate, shall be subject to an environmental impact study.”

2. All development projects shall ensure that natural seasons and habitats of native and
migrating species are protected and not adversely affected by the development.

3. Introduction of exotic (non-indigenous) species shall be subject to the rules and

regulations of the DA and the DENR.

4. Provision of Provincial Ordinance No. . Strengthening the Provincial Rabbies

Prevention shall be complied with.
C. LAND AND ITS CONVERSION
1. The provisions of the CARP law in the conversion of land shall be adopted/ taken into
consideration in planning and implementation of all development projects of the
Municipality.

2. Development activities and projects shall be undertaken in strict conformity with the
approved land use and development plans of the Municipality.

D. MARINE/ AQUATIC RESOURCES

1. The LGUs shall designate common mooring bouys for all types of sea crafts to anchor.
Establishments along the coastline may be clustered for the purpose.

2. The LGU through an ordinace shall designate a common mooring/ docking facility for
pumpboats and other sea crafts.

3. The LGU shall ensire that provisions of RA 6969 (on Toxic and Hazardous Waste) are
observed by pump boats and other sea craft operators.
4. Dive shops and other resorts/ establishments shall strictly abide by the Philippine
Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD) rules and regulations, LGU ordinances against
illegal fishing and DA fishery laws and administrative orders.

5. PCSSD rules and regulations and marice laws shall form part of the house rules of all
resorts, dive shops and establishments offering diving services.

6. All boats servicing tourists shall be duly licensed by the LGU/MARINA, provided with safety
devices for tourist protection, and shall equip their boatmen with radio, GPIS and other
similar communication devices.

E. WATER
All water sources (gorund, surface and sea) shall be subjected to regular water tests by
concerned agencies; e.g. DOH/PHO, DENR and DA, to determine their safety. Corollary to this,
test results shall be released to the concerned agencies to respond to the problem, if any.
F. AIR
1. Development projects that are determined to have adverse effect on air quality shall
observe relevant provisions of the Clean Air Act or RA 8749.
2. Transport vehicles shall be governed by existing exhaust emission guidelines of the Land
Transportaion Office and other concerned agencies.

G. TOPOGRAPHY
 1. Development projects shall not cause any major change in topography of the Municipal
land area but shall instead follow and adopt the Municipal topographic features.

2. No quarrying and extraction of sand and gravel shall be allowed in the entire coastline of
Carmen.

H. CARRYING CAPACITY
For the purpose of setting the Municipal land use plan and development, the LGU shall
determine the desired carrying capacity of the area, which shall be stipulated in the municipal
Comprehensive Land Use Plan of the LGUs. The LGU land carrying capacity for accommodation
facilities shall be based on the net buildable area to be determined by the Municipal
EngineeringOffice.

I. HISTORICAL LANDMARKS/ MONUMENTS

Development activities shall in no way destroy existing historical monuments and landmarks
but shall instead work for its preservation and restoration. Negotiations/ arrangements mst be
made with the concerned LGU on the transfer of ownership of site to the LGU (i.e., if the site
falls within private property or if access of the public to site is needed, etc.). Should there be
any development, it shall be coordinated with the LGU.

Section 2. WASTES
A. SOLID WASTES
Compliance to the provisions of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of
2000 shall be observed in the Municipality viz:
1. Solid wastes shall be segregated at source, (households, tourist establishments and
other establishments) into Recyclable/ Reusable (empty bottles of mineral water,
plastic containers, aluminum/ tin cans, bottles), Biodegradable/ Compostable (kitchen
waste, garden waste, food waste, plant cuttings, yard sweepings), Special Waste
(hazardous and toxic waste, i.e. busted bulbs,disinfectant/ chemical containers, paints,
thinner) and Residual Waste (intended for final disposal at the Landfill, i.e. cellophane,
toy & tetra packs, styrofoam, sachets). These shall be placed in separate containers
with appropriate labels and covers. These containers shall be made of durable
materials, water- and rodent-proof, and shall be located within the premises concealed
from view of passers-by.

2. Biodegradable materials shall be composted and converted into soil enhancers.

 3. Burning of trash, plastic and other similar wastes shall be strictly prohibited.

4. Recycling of materials such as hard plastic, glass, dry paper, etc. shall be encouraged.

5. Garbage receptacles shall be installed at srategic locations un public places within the
establishments.

6. Compliance to the provisions of RA 6969 on Toxic and Hazardous Wastes shall be

strictly observed.

B. WASTEWATER AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL

1. Wastewater and sewage disposal shall comply with the provisions of s. 2007 of the
Provincial Governor on “Strengthening the Initiatives to Prevent Water Pollution by
Enforcing the Installation of Wastewater Treatment Facilities for Hotels, Resorts and
Restaurants, and such Other Industries which Require Usage of Water Volume in
Commercial Quantities, Urging the Use of Recycled Water, and for Other Purposes.”

2. Housing projects/ residential units shall comply with the provisions of PD 856
(Sanitation Code of the Philippines).

Section 3. NOISE AND ACOUSTIC LEVEL

1. The generation of noise by establishments from mechanical sources, such as musical
machines, air conditioning equipment, audio-visual equipment, generators, etc. shall be
toned down to a maximum tolerable limit as per local ordinances.

2. Generators shall be placed at closed doors with air vents, either concrete or similar
structures,tominimize noise, with fire extinguisher installed.

3. All establishments,wherever applicable, shall plant trees in close rows to further

minimize noise pollution around the premises.

ARTICLE V

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

Section 1. TOURISM PROTECTION

 1. To protect tourists from becoming victims of unethical practices like swindling,
overcharging, etc., establishment owners and other operators of business enterprises in
the area are required to provide and promote the use of LGU- licensed or DOT –
accredited services (i.e. transport services, tour guides, etc.) to their guests.

2. Standard rates for boat hire, tricycle fare, tour guides and other such services, shall be
made known to tourists by placing these rates in conspicuous places like the front desk,
airport reception desk, rent-a-car/ vehicle business establishment, etc. and in different
languages.

3. All establishments providing swimming pool facility within their property shall provide for
the services of at least one (1) lifeguard at any given time with the required training and
expertise.

4. Provision of lifeguards along the beach shall be provided by the association of business
establishments in the area. The LGU shall provide lifeguards at public/ LGU- operated
beaches/ swimming facilities. Non-designated beaches/ shorelines shall be provided with the
signage: NO LIFE GUARD ON DUTY.

5. Establishment owners shall provide adequate security services within their respective
areas to ensure the safety of the tourists.

6. A Tourist Police shall be established and supported by the LGUs to ensure safety and
protection of tourists.

7. The LGU shall establish and maintain a Tourist Information and Assistance Center in
strategic areas.

8. Establishments shall comply with the Quality Services for Sustainable Tourism and other
tourism standards as may be adopted in the future.

Section 2. CULTURAL PRESERVATION

1. Services and products to be promoted and provided by establishment owners and

operators must be consistent with the traditions, values and mores of the local
community.

Section 3. TRANSPORT CONCERNS

1. Transfers and transport services to be provided by establishment owners and operators

shall be duly accredited by the Department of Tourism to ensure that these vehicles are
at par with international tourist standards.
 2. Rent-a-Car enterprises shall be accredited by the Department of Tourism duly issued
with a Business Permit by the Local Government Unit.

3. Motorbikes, bicycles and other modes of transportation shall not be allowed access to
the beachfront at a designated time to be determined by the LGU in an ordinance.

4. The LGU shall designate the drop- off points of public transport in tour sites.

5. Water transport facilities or boats for hire for island hopping shall strictly follow the
rules and regulations of MARINA, the Philippine Coast Guard and/ or the Department of
Tourism, the LGU and other concerned agencies. These shall be required to get a
business permit and be subject to registration and monitoring by the LGU and MARINA
as regard sea worthiness and service quality.

6. Accommodation facilities engaging in transport and other services (i.e. operators of tour
packages) shall be required to get a separate business permit for each business
category.

Section 4. WATER SPORTS

1. Water sports operators shall strictly abide by the rules and regulations to be enforced by
DOT, LGUs and other concerned agencies with regard to specific areas for operation,
business hours, safety measures, etc.

2. Jet skis shall be banned from waters fronting resort establishments. As a water sports
facility, jet skis shall only be allowed in designated water sporting areas.

3. Strict compliance with the rules and regulations of the Philippine Commission on Sports
Scuba Diving (PCSSD) shall be enforced and monitored by the concerned LGU.

Section 5. CLEANLINESS

Cleanliness at the beach and surroundings of the resort establishments shall be mainly
the responsibility of the resort and establishment owners. Barangay LGU shall be responsible
for cleanliness of the beach fronts which have no developments yet or are open for public use.
 ARTICLE VI

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

Section 1. DEVELOPMENT

1. Resort Zone Delineation

The distance of 100 meters inland from the established easement of 20 meters shall be
known as the “Beach Zone.” The first 10 meters after the easement shall be reserved as
“open space” dedicated as “pathway” for public use. Beyond the beach zone will be
the “Inland Zone.”

2. Building- to- Open- Space Ratio

To ensure that the carrying capacity of the island as planned and regulated by
the LGU will not be exceeded, the concept of building- to- open- space ratio must be
observed as follows:

a. Minimum of 60- 40% building- to- open- space ratio for the first
50 meters within the beach zone;

b. Minimum of 70- 30 % building- to- open- space ratio for areas beyond the 50-
meter beach zone; and,

c. Room size shall be based on the minimum standard requirements per specific
categories of accommodation facilities as set in the Manual on Quality Services
for Sustainable Tourism development.

Section 2. BUILDING TYPOLOGIES

1. As a rule, construction of accommodation establishments along the beach may adopt

the “sprawling type” concept to preserve the aesthetic appeal of Carmen Beach line.

2. The following types of accommodation can be allowed within the Municipality:

a. Village- type hotels, villas or row houses;

b. Single detached, single story cottages or duplexes shall be preferred particularly

in the beach zone;

c. A luxury hotel with urban amenities, such as convention center, restaurants, indoor
sports facilities, etc., may be allowed in the beach zone.
 Development design, however, shall first be reviewed and approved by the REDCOM to ensure
that the plan contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the Municipality

Access for the differently- abled (i.e. ramps, railings, pavements, parking, space, rest rooms)
shall be made available in all the facilities within the accommodation/ commercial
establishment (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons RA 9442, Accessibility Law BP Bilang 344).

Section 3. ARCHITECTURE
A. FOR BEACH ZONE
1. The overall architecture and design shall conform to the landscape and resonate with the
culture of the beach front. New structures need not be replicas of traditional houses but
rather seek inspiration in the way they adapt to the environment.

2. The Native/Carmen culture must be integrated into the architecture and design of all
establishments (e.g. doors, headboards, facades, windows, cabinets, bathrooms, etc).
The exterior of these buildings and facilities may reflect the “native look,” such as the
traditional bahay kubo and its variants.

3. Construction shall harmonize with the topography of the site, avoiding rigid forms that
would clash with the coastal landscape.

4. The visible building materials of all structures shall be carefully selected so that they will
blend with the overall resort appearance, including color. Use of indigenous materials
such as nipa or cogon, natural stones and wood tiles is encouraged.

B. FOR INLAND ZONE

1. Free design may be allowed, provided that these reflect/ resonate with the Agusanon
Culture.

Section 4. HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

A. Beach Zone
Resort establishments within the beach zone shall observe height limits of 3 stories or
15 meters from the original ground line for the first 50 meters from the easement, and
thereafter, may increase to 5 stories. This height limit does not apply to areas covered by
height restrictions set by the Air Transportation Office within the airport vicinity.

B. Inland Zone
 The tallest structure shall be limited to a maximum height of 30 meters from ground
level, and no structure shall be allowed to be taller as set by the Engineering office of Carmen.

Section 5. BEACHFRONT EASEMENT

There shall be a mandatory easement along all coastal areas defined according to the
Water Code of the Philippines as the 20- meter easement from the established high water
measured landward and perpendicular to it. The beachfront easement shall also include the
distance of 10 meters from the mandatory easement which shall be reserved as open space
to be dedicated as pathway for public use.

1. No permanent structure and sign of any nature shall be allowed within the
beachfront easement.

2. The same restrictions hold true along cliffs or bluffs.

3. Mandatory direct beachfront access with a right - of - way of 10.00 meters minimum
width shall be provided by lots or developments fronting the beach to succeeding
interior lots. This will allow for water amenity to interior developments and spread
the benefits of the beach as a natural and public resource.

4. The distance between buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of
the National Building Code of the Philippines.

5. For buildings or any construction, setback from national, provincial, municipal or

barangay roads shall be a minimum of 5.00 meters from the road- right- of- way.

6. Lanes for bicycles and persons with disability may be constructed on these roads
setbacks.

Section 6. BUFFER ZONES

1. Along the perimeter of each zone or golf course, there shall be a minimum of 10- meter
buffer zone which shall be landscaped, visually concealing the inland developments.

2. A 10- meter buffer zone is planned for tourism facilities along national, provincial,
municipal and barangay roads to provide visual and aural privacy of facilities and guests.

Section 7. AIRPORT ZONE

1. Government regulations (New Building Code of the Philippines, and International Civil
Aviation Organizations) require observance of the obstacle limitation surface for
airports.
 a. At runway strip sides, which is 150 meters from both sides of the runway
centerline, a transitional surface which has a slope of 1:7 or 14.3% measured in a
vertical plane perpendicular to the runway/ extended runway centerline shall be
established. The other limit of the transitional surface shall be 45 meters above
the nearest point at the runway centerline.

b. At the end of the clearways of the runway, an approach/ departure surface with
a slope of 2% above the horizontal in the vertical plane containing the runway
strip running parallel shall be established.

2. Buffer zones that would serve as noise barrier shall be provided running parallel 70
meters on both sides of the runway strip.

3. Within this buffer zone, planting of trees is strictly prohibited while agricultural crops
may be allowed.

Section 8. LANDSCAPING

1. Owners of lots and establishments in the island shall be encouraged to plant and
maintain ornamentals or fruit trees or other edible forms of landscaping to enhance the
aesthetic appeal of their location. The required open space shall be landscaped.

Areas subject to landscaping:

a. Open areas of lots already developed
b. Flower beds of all types
c. Road escarpments and divider strips
d. Areas designed as public or private parks
e. Any other area free of construction
2. Shade trees, coconut trees, other palm trees, flowery bushes and creepers may be
planted.

3. Fences shall be limited to indigenous materials or plant hedges and maintained at a

height of 1.20 meters. No fences shall be allowed along the beachfront. Safety railings
may be allowed along cliffs.

Section 9. SIGNAGES
1. Signs are intended to give direction, convey information or instructions. As such, they are
controlled in their manner of display to achieve the best results.
2. Use tourism signs and symbols per international standards.

3. Sign Dimensions:

a. Street/ Road Signs - 0.60 meter x 0.15 meter mounted

2.0 meters from finished ground level

b. Location - 0.60 meeter x .15 meter (to 0.30m

max directional signs width) mounted
1.2 meter from finished ground level

c. Historical Landmarks - According to National Historical Institute

requirements

d. Traffic and Pedestrian - Per International Standards and

Traffic Signs Code adopted by LTO,
DPWH and DOTC

e. Establishment Signs - 0.80 meter x 0.12 meter mounted 2.0

meters from finished ground level.

4. Materials for signs

a. As a rule, indigenous materials and non-metallic materials shall be used.

b. Location and Directional Signs – Reflectorized, all- weather, gauge no. 10

anodized aluminum sheets with cathode protection against corrosion for all
metallic materials and exposed surfaces.

c. Traffic and Pedestrian Signs – same as Sec. 9 no.4 (b) above.

d. Establishment Signs – indigenous materials, such as coconut lumber, wood

planks, log sidings, bamboo and bamboo products, nipa, sawali, rattan, etc. may
be used.

5. All signs must be considered from the aspect of aesthetics in terms of proportion, color
and location. The important thing is that signs should not intrude into the sensibilities
of the viewers or users and must not interfere with the panorama of an established view,
whether contrived or natural.
 6. Strictly no big signs. Avoid signs that annoy.

7. An area may be allocated by the LGUs for communal commercial signs.

Section 10. PARKING

Establishments shall provide parking space in accordance with the law. For establishments
with limited space, a common parking area may be established by the LGU.

Section 11. ROAD NETWORKS

1. Central lines, circumferential lines and lateral roads leading to the integrated resort
areaand all other access roads must be asphalted/ concreted for easy travel.

2. All such roads shall have a road right-of-way conforming to the requirements of the
DPWH and LGU, as follows:

National Road - 20 meters

Provincial Road - 15 meters
Municipal & Barangay Roads - 10 meters
3. All roads shall have proper easements for drainage, pedestrians/ sidewalks, sufficient
road signage, traffic signs and markers.

4. Clusters on which apartments, row houses or a group of single detached buildings are
built shall be provided with an access street directly connecting said buildings or units to
a public street or alley pursuant to Rule XI of the IRR of the National Building Code.

5. Bicycle lanes may be designated and constructed along the sides of national
roadsoutside the shoulder lanes or sidewalks.

Section 12. TRANSITORY

All existing structures in violation of these guidelines must not and will not be given
approval to repair/ remodel these structures until after the provisions of these guidelines are
complied.

ARTICLE VII
 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

Section 1. EMPLOYMENT AND LIVELIHOOD/ BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

A. EMPLOYMENT

1. In employing staff and personnel of establishments and businesses in the resorts, first
priority shall be given to displaced and affected families of the projects, second priority
to the residents of Carmen and those of the province, considering required expertise/
competencies.

2. Attractive employment incentives are encouraged for core positions necessary to the
business operation.

a. Establishments shall abide with the rules and regulations of the Social Security
System (SSS) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the
Philippines particularly those pertaining to the benefits and rights of employees.

b. The law on employment of persons with disability (PWD) shall also be

compliedwith.

c. For monitoring purposes, data on employment and other tourism statistics shall
be reported at the end of the year by the establishments to the assigned office at
the LGU, with a copy furnished to the Office of the Governor. Monitoring of
compliance on this is lodged with the Provincial Tourism Office of the Office of the
Governor.

B. LIVELIHOOD/ BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

1. Businesses shall also give priority to local suppliers, entrepreneurs and cooperatives in
the Municipality and within the province which are capable of providing the same goods
and services at comparative costs.

2. Local residents shall be given opportunities to sell their agriculture and handicrafts
products at commercial outlets designated by the LGU.

3. Alternative livelihood shall be provided by the LGU to farmers and fisherfolks who will
be affected by the project.

C. INCENTIVES
 The LGU of Carmen, Agusan del Norte are required to adopt an investment codes which
shall provide both fiscal and non- fiscal incentives on top of national incentives, especially to
those meeting the standards set in the Manual on Quality Services for Sustainable Tourism.

Section 2. PRESERVATION OF THE TRADITIONAL VALUES AND

ENHANCEMENT OF CULTURE

1. Developers, operators and other concerned parties shall be governed strictly by

Philippine laws and provincial and municipal ordinances prohibiting indecent and illegal
activities; such as, but not limited to, drug trafficking and use, prostitution, pedophilia
and gambling.

2. It is imperative for establishment owners and other business operators to undertake

necessary control measures to avoid the use of their building premises for indecent and
illegal activities, such as those mentioned above.

3. Developers, owners and operators of tourism- related and other establishments and
businesses shall assist the Department of Tourism, local government units and other
agencies concerned in the construction and management of a heritage- cum- handicraft
village which shall showcase the history, arts and culture of the Municipality, the
Province and the Philippines in general.

4. Establishment owners and operators are encouraged to promote cultural presentations

(i.e. folk dances, local songs, cultural revivals, local arts, etc.) as a form of
entertainment.

5. Establishment owners and operators are encouraged to promote and support

traditional festival of the Municipality.

Section 3. GENDER DEVELOPMENT

1. Equal opportunities for employment, training and professional growth shall be provided
to all, regardless of sex.

Section 4. MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT

1. All establishments shall have a manpower development program for their employees.
Regular trainings on etiquette, good conduct, customer service, hospitality,
management, etc, must be conducted for all tourism establishment/ facility employees
 by the establishment/ facility, with the assistance of the LGUs and tourism-related
organizations. This will ensure that tourist facilities shall provide quality service to
guests/ clients at all times. Participants shall include employees, front line staff, security
guards, transport drivers (i.e., taxi, van, bus, tricycle, boat, etc.) and others.

2. A continuing program for skills development amongresidents must be put in place by

the LGUand concerned agencies in order to provide a pool of qualified workers.

3. Educational institutions shall be encouraged to offer tourism- related courses.

4. Assistance to local entrepreneurs on skills development to manage livelihood activities

shall be provided by concerned government agencies, LGU and NGOs.

5. LGU shall assist in organizing local residents into cooperatives for the supply of goods
and services.

Section 5. PROTECTION OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND PERSONS

WITH DISABILITY (PWD)

1. A council with members from the public and private sector shall be formed/ organized
to look after the protection of children, youth and special people (people with
disability).

2. Children, aged 0-6 years old, especially of working mothers, shall be provided with care
centers and nursery facilities by the MSWDO of the LGU or the private sector.

Section 6. HEALTH SERVICES

1. Health care facilities shall be provided by the Municipality to cater to the needs of both
community members and visitors.
2. LGU of Carmen shall require establishments to have a periodic medical check-up for
their employees.

Section 7. SPORTS

1. Sports development programs for workers/ employees shall form part of the human
resource development program of resorts and other tourism establishments.

ARTICLE VIII
 TRANSITORY PROVISION

Section 1.

The scope of these code shall reckoned from the date of adoption by the municipal
Council of Carmen, Agusan del Norte.