[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8002, April 22, 1995 ]

AN ACT DECLARING THE SITE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PALO, PROVINCE OF LEYTE, WHERE GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR LANDED ON OCTOBER 20, 1944 TO LIBERATE THE PHILIPPINES DURING WORLD WAR II, A TOURIST SPOT



Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The site in the Municipality of Palo, Province of Leyte, where General Douglas Mac Arthur landed on October 20, 1944 to liberate the Philippines during World War II, is hereby declared a tourist spot. As such, it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist spots.

SEC. 2. The Department of Tourism, in coordination with the Philippine Tourism Authority and other concerned agencies of the government shall, within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, prepare a development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure as shall enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation of the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.

SEC. 3. The Department of Tourism shall take immediate steps to implement said development plan and shall incorporate the same in the Department's overall tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year.

SEC. 4. The Department of Tourism shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Lapsed into law on April 22,1995 without the President's signature, pursuant to Sec. 27(1), Article VI of the Constitution.