BTA lawmakers introduce bill aiming to boost, promote tourism

COTABATO CITY —Bangsamoro legislators filed BTA Parliament Bill No. 280, or the Bangsamoro Tourism Act of 2024, which aims to provide a comprehensive framework for promoting and developing tourism in the region.

The bill, introduced by Members of Parliament Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, Rasul Ismael, and Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., positions tourism development as a major socio-economic priority for the BARMM. 

The legislators emphasize the need for a balanced approach that promotes economic growth while ensuring the protection of the environment. According to the principal authors of the bill, promoting tourism is important for creating livelihood programs that benefit local communities in the region.

To achieve this goal, the proposed legislation calls for the formulation and implementation of a Bangsamoro Tourism Development Strategy (BTDS), which will serve as a blueprint for advancing tourism within the BARMM. 

The BTDS, as specified in the bill, must be consistent with the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP), the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and other relevant laws and policies. Key components of the strategy include enhancing the quality of tourist experiences, strengthening tourism marketing and promotion efforts, and building the capacity of the tourism workforce in Bangsamoro. 

The Bangsamoro government should also formulate a five-year comprehensive development plan, outlining specific, measurable, and time-bound objectives that align with the broader vision for tourism within the region. 

The bill further proposes the creation of a Bangsamoro Tourism Council (BTC) to serve as a policy-making body, with a focus on the development and advancement of tourism in the region. 

A Bangsamoro Tourism Advocacy Network will be established as a collaborative platform to promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices. The network will assist the Bangsamoro government in raising public awareness, advocating for responsible tourism, sharing best practices, and facilitating community engagement. 

To ensure local representation and involvement, the bill advocates for the establishment of Local Tourism Councils (LTCs) in every province, city, and municipality across the BARMM. These LTCs will serve as counterparts to the BTC, making tourism governance more accessible to local constituents. 

BTA Parliament Bill No. 280 is joined by MPs Atty. Laisa Alamia, Amilbahar Mawallil, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Tawakal Midtimbang, Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam, Michael Midtimbang, Atty. Sittie Fahanie Uy-Oyod, Khalid Hadji Abdullah, and Bassir Utto as co-authors. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)