BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK by Leonardo De Leon

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

Republic of the Philippines

PROVINCE OF ALBAY

AL FRANCIS BICHARA

Governor Chairman, Regional Development Council

IOS marhay na aldaw sa indo gabos. Tourism in the Bicol region has been in an all-time high in the past decade, evident in the introduction of new tourist destinations and products, as well as establishments. This unprecedented boom It is our pleasure to present the Bicol Tourism Investment Guidebook, the first of its kind in the region which will help provide a blueprint on investing in the growing tourism industry and allied services. An undertaking of the Regional Development Council (RDC) through the Bicol Regional Tourism Committee (BRTC), this is a recognition of the tourism investment sector as a vital engine of inclusive growth. We thank the provincial governors and city mayors, and their respective tourism and development and planning officers for supplying the vital

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

information in making this Guidebook a reliable guide in navigating Bicolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ocean of investment. We look forward to similar projects like this on the provincial, city and municipal government levels to entice and entrepreneurs, regardless of size, to put and grow their business in this growing region. We also recognize the national government agencies involved in this project, led by the Department of Tourism and the National Economic Development Authority as the convenors of the BRTC. For our part in the Province of Albay, we are honored to be the transportation hub of visitors exploring the natural wonders of the neighboring provinces. The warm hospitality of our people will always make the visit to Bicol truly memorable and worth coming back to. Dios Mabalos sa indo gabos. Arriba Albay.

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM Regional Office V

N line with the strategic action of the National Tourism Development Plan and the Regional Development Plan to improve the country’s competitiveness and accelerate economic growth, this undertaking—the Bicol Tourism Investment Guidebook is a remarkable accomplishment in tourism development area planning. This Guidebook is a project of the Bicol Regional Tourism Committee (BRTC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) completed through the collaboration of our office and the provincial and city government units. This Guidebook aims to promote Bicol as a tourism investment hub by providing the relevant facts on the provinces and cities—their demographic and

economic profiles, tourist arrivals, cost of doing business, and the incentives given by the LGUs. Anchoring on our new regional tourism brand “EXCITING Bicol”, this Guidebook will prove that the Bicolandia prides itself with exciting and exceptional sceneries and culture, extreme adventure and exquisite cuisine, as well as Excellent and Competitive business environment for Inclusive Tourism that is also Environmentally Sustainable. With the synergy and convergence of the efforts of national government agencies, LGUs, entrepreneurs, and industry players, this Guidebook will be an important legacy of the BRTC to the tourism industry and the community of investors. Dios Mabalos sa indo gabos.

BENJAMIN F. SANTIAGO Regional Director

REGIONAL TOURISM OUTLOOK

ITUATED in Luzon’s southeastern peninsula, Bicol has been one of the fastest growing regions in terms of tourist arrivals for the past few years. Once regarded as among the regions with a high incidence of poverty and natural disasters, it has been a sought-after destination by both budget and business travelers because of the variety of attractions and experiences it offers. While the majestic perfect-cone Mayon Volcano has been the iconic and must-see attraction, the diversity of the tourist sites which were introduced in the recent years have given visitors more reasons to visit the region and linger longer. FAST FACTS 6 (Albay, Camarines Norte, Provinces: Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon) 7 (Iriga, Legazpi, Ligao, Masbate, Cities: Naga, Sorsogon, Tabaco) Municipalities: 15 Land Area: 17,632.5 km2 Population: 5,796,989 (2015) Tourist Arrivals: 5.4 million (2016) Bicolandia teems with powdery beaches of all shades—white, gray, black sand, idyllic islands, lush mountains, mesmerizing waterfalls, refreshing natural springs, soothing river cruises, and unspoiled dive spots, which make it an exciting getaway. The region’s aggressive tourism promotion has been

effective in increasing visitor arrival to 5.4 M in 2016, posting a 19.5 percent growth compared to 4.5 M in 2015. (Please see graphs of tourist arrivals per province) In 2016, the region reached the goal of 1 M foreign visitors committed from the national target of 10 M international, and 4 M domestic tourists committed from the 56.1 M target in the National Tourism Development Plan and

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

the Bicol Regional Development Plan CY 2011-16. For a more efficient implementation of the NTDP, the region has been split into two tourism development areas (TDAs)—Almasor (composed of Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon) and Triple C (Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes), each offering a unique tour circuit formulated by its stakeholders.

Improved Transportation Access Tourism’s phenomenal growth is brought about by a confluence of factors which includes the support of national line agencies, the active participation of the private sector and the local government units (LGUs), which have recognized its role in bringing about inclusive growth in their localities. Worthy of note is the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program, a convergence undertaking of the Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways which have led to the opening of new roads and improvement of existing ones, which have provided access to remote attractions. The flagship road projects under this program include the 8-km Pres. Cory Aquino Boulevard in Camarines Norte, the 45.74-km Legazpi-Sto. DomingoTabaco-Tiwi-Camarines Sur Boundary Road in Albay, and the 8.79-km Caramoan-Paniman Access Road in Camarines Sur. The increase in the frequency of flights in Legazpi City, utilizing night time slots, has significantly contributed to Bicol’s increased arrivals. Regarded as the region’s aerial gateway, it has daily flights to Manila and Cebu and serves as the cheaper and alternative airport to those flying to Naga, Catanduanes and Masbate. With the construction of the new Bicol International Airport in Daraga in full swing and the modernization of the Philippine National Railways in the pipeline, more transportation options will be available for travelers. Sea transportation is likewise being modernized with the upgrading of ports and introduction of modern vessels to improve access to the island provinces and municipalities. In addition, public land transportation to and from the region has greatly improved with the introduction of premium bus service to major urban centers. The national government has provided substantial technical and financial support to the LGUs to enable them to be efficient in destination management, tourism planning, and regulating the local tourism industry.

TOURIST ARRIVAL

GRAPHS

2016

Moreover, provinces and cities have legislated their respective investment codes to entice investments, streamline business processes and provide fiscal and nonfiscal incentives to enterprises, regardless or their size. Various Local governments are also encouraging the development of big-ticket economic zones under

DISTRIBUTION OF DOMESTIC TOURIST ARRIVAL IN 2016

the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and tourism projects and enterprise zones supported by the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority. The entry of retail giants such as SM Supermalls, Ayala Malls, Robinsons and Gaisano, as well as popular food and lifestyle franchises attest to the increasing

DISTRIBUTION OF FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVAL BICOL REGION: 2016

purchasing power of the consumers due to the creation of new jobs and livelihood opportunities.

Bicol as a MICE destination The region is an emerging site for center for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) because of the various national and global conferences it has hosted, especially in the cities of Legazpi and Naga which has some of the best hotels, restaurants and meetings facilities. It is also a rising sports tourism route for cycling,

Faith, Farm, and Ecotourism

motorcycling, wakeboarding, extreme marathon, triathlon, surfing, dragonboat races, and other outdoor adventures. Among the prestigious sporting events which have attracted a niche market are Iron Man, Xterra Albay, Le Tour de Filipinas, Palarong Pambansa, LBC Ronda Pilipinas, Mayon 360, and Mt. Bulusan 360, to name a few. Cruise tourism is another emerging high-end niche for Bicol, having been the port of call by international luxury liners such as Royal Caribbean Cruise, Winter Escapade, and Zeghram Expeditions. These cruises bring in thousands of day tourists in selected localities to experience the warm local hospitality and way of life.

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

Faith, Farm and Ecotourism are the new portfolio the DOT is developing, especially with the passage of the Farm Tourism Act of 2016 which aims to maximize the potentials of the vast agricultural and aquatic resources in the countryside. Inland municipalities which do not have traditional tourist spots are exploring with private farm owners the possibility of establishing farm sites to tap into the visitor market. With vast plantations of pineapples, rice, pili, pepper and other staple crops, the farms are ideal to develop for educational and recreational purposes. A bastion of the Roman Catholic faith, Bicol has many pilgrimages, festivities, old churches, religiousthemed parks and historic sites which draw the faithful from all over the country. These faith-oriented activities present economic opportunities which authorities intend to regulate to the ensure that they are safe and a complete and uplifting experience. Meanwhile, ecotourism or close-to-nature activities have been in practice in Bicol for the past two years since the introduction of the whale shark interaction in Donsol, Sorsogon. With a growing awareness for environmental protection among local governments and stakeholders, ecotourism will continue to be a guiding principle in the industry even as new natural attractions are opened up to visitors. These positive developments make investing very enticing and promising, as tourism will continue to be a growing sector not only with the hike in visitor arrivals, but also in the increased intra-region travels among Bicolanos as they rediscover the other parts of the region. This Guidebook will help provide insights on the economic and tourism profile of each province and city, the types of businesses ideal for the identified priority areas, the cost of doing business, and other vital information.

Capital: Legazpi City Cities: Legazpi, Tabaco, Ligao Municipalities: 15 Income Class: First Class Province Land Area: 2,554.06 sq. km. Population: 1,310,000 (2015) Tourist Arrivals: 1,816,056 (2016)

HE home of Bicolandia’s crown jewel and the iconic Mayon Volcano, Albay is the region’s tourism hub and gateway province. This perfectconed volcano rises 2,462 meters above sea level, with a base circumference of 62.8 kms and can be seen all over Albay and neighboring provinces on a clear day. Its name was derived from a Bicolano word “Magayon”, which means beautiful based on the folklore of Daragang Magayon. Mayon is best viewed from the Cagsawa Ruins Park in Daraga, which is perfectly framed by the bell tower of the Cagsawa Church, which is a remnant of the volcano’s most destructive eruption in 1814 where some 2,000 villagers perished. The Park was declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure in 2016. Declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2015, it is a world-recognized exemplar of the balance of natural

conservation and human development. The Mayon Volcano Natural Park was recently nominated to the prestigious Unesco World Heritage List because of its historic, geological and natural value. The province offers a variety ecotourism sites, cozy accommodations, well-preserved Spanish-era baroque churches and is an emerging center for religious and faith tourism with the Our Lady of Joroan Church in Tiwi and the Kawa-Kawa Hill Natural Park in Ligao City which has larger-than-life Stations of the Cross. ancestral homes, panoramic countryside, and export-quality crafts. Albay It has also become a culinary tourism destination for its Albay Culinaria which showcases traditional and contemporary Bicol cuisine, making the food and beverage sector an ideal investment sector. Albay is teeming with colorful festivities, religious feasts and sporting events, but it is best to visit April

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

to be part of the month-long Magayon Festival which marks the province’s founding anniversary. Other interesting festivals are Sarung Banggi of Sto. Domingo, Pulang Anggi of Polangui, Cagsawa of Daraga, and Pinangat of Camalig. The province is a sports tourism haven, having hosted prestigious events such as the Pacific Asia Travel Association Tourism Frontiers Forum, Xterra Off-Road Triathlon, Le Tour de Filipinas, Mayon 360° Ultra Marathon, Palarong Pambansa and other national sporting events. Among the province’s recent tourist sites are the Quitinday Falls and Underground River in Jovellar, Quitinday Green Hills and Sumlang Lake in Camalig, and Guinanayan Island in Rapu-Rapu, Pinamuntugan Island in Bacacay which lure domestic and foreign tourists. The ultra-luxe Misibis Bay Resort and Spa in Bacacay offers visitors a consummate experience with its

opulent amenities, watersports facilities and delectable international and fusion cuisine. In the pipeline for development are agro-forestry projects, mangrove reforestation, and the Albay Farmers Bounty Village to cater to the emerging farm tourism sector, a new market recognized by the Department of Tourism. In recent years, the provincial government has enacted measures encouraging sustainable tourism, inclusive development, disaster risk reduction and management, and the culture of entrepreneurship to create income opportunities in the communities. ACCOMMODATION: 141 (15 hotels, 58 resorts, 26 pension houses, 15 lodging houses, 7 bed and breakfast, 19 apartelles and hostels) 1 dormitory (excluding Legazpi City) TOTAL NO. OF ROOMS: 3,374 FOOD & BEVERAGE: TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Globe, Smart, PLDT, BayanTel Banks: 119 banks, 163 ATMs COST OF DOING BUSINESS Power Rates (per kwh) Average P 9.00 Lean P 7.50 to P 8.00 High P 10.00 to P 11.00 REAL PROPERTY (PER SQ. M.) First District P 650.00 - P 1,100.00 Second District P 730.00 - P 12,000.00 Third District P 400.00 - P 1,450.00

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS Type of Business Accommodation Beach Resorts Inland Resort Food & Beverage

Location Daraga, Camalig, Tiwi Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Rapu-Rapu, Oas, Tiwi, Tabaco, Pio Duran Daraga, Camalig, Polangui, Malilipot Lake Sumlang (Camalig), Rapu-Rapu

LGU INCENTIVES Enterprises and investors registered with the Albay Provincial Investment Board will shall enjoy the following incentives based on Provincial Ordinance No. 2001-01. 1. Exemption from the following Provincial Taxes and Fees as well as charges imposed under the Provincial Revenue Code, or specially but not limited to Articles 224, 225, 226 and 229 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code of 1991, but in no case exceed five years.

b. For those employing 70% of their labor force from qualified residents of the province. 100% 1st and 3rd year 40% 4th year 20% 5th year 10% 6th year 0% 7th year c. A 100% Real Property Tax Holiday shall be enjoyed for three (3) years from the start of commercial operations. GETTING THERE: Albay can be reached by air via Legazpi City with flights to and from Manila and Cebu. There are also regular aircon and premium buses emanating from Manila bound for Legazpi, passing through the Maharlika Highway.

2. A registered enterprise shall, within six (6) years from the start of its commercial operation, be exempt from the aforesaid provincial impositions in the condition and manner herein prescribed. a. For those employing 50% of their labor force coming from residents of the province 100% 1st and 2nd year 80% 3rd year 60% 4th year 20% 5th year 10% 6th year 0% 7th year

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

www.albay.gov.ph OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Provincial Capitol, Old Albay District, Legazpi City, Albay (052) 481-2555 â&#x20AC;˘ (052) 742-0123 â&#x20AC;˘ albaygovoffice@yahoo.com

Capital: Daet Municipalities: 12 Classification: Second Class Province Population: 583,313 (2015) Land Area: 2,320.07 km2 Tourist Arrivals: 561,591 (2016)

ICOL’S northernmost province and gateway to the region, it dates back to 1571 when Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo landed on its shores and named the area “Camarines” because of the storehouses he saw along the river banks. Over the centuries, it has been paired with and separated from its twin province, Camarines Sur, by Spanish authorities. It was officially created a province on April 15, 1920 under the American regime. Nicknamed CamNorte, the province has experienced exponential growth in tourist arrivals in recent years mainly due to the lure of white sand islands in the Pacific Ocean seaboard—Siete Pecados in Mercedes, Parola in Jose Panganiban, and Calaguas in Vinzons which is composed of 17 islands and islets with Mahabang Buhangin beach as centerpiece. The latter was named in 2013 as the country’s top Tourism Gem in a

nationwide online poll by Isla Lipana & Co., an affiliate of the prestigious London-based PricewaterhouseCoopers. Because of its rugged terrain, the province is endowed with various waterfalls tucked in the bosom of the forests—Nacali in San Lorenzo Ruiz, Mananap in San Vicente, Colasi in Mercedes, Maligaya in Labo, and Itok in Capalonga. There are also natural resorts along the rivers with icy water which provide a cool respite to hikers and mountain bikers. Daet, the provincial capital, is a bustling commercial town, transportation hub and where most of the tourist establishments are located. A rapidlyurbanizing municipality, it hosts a variety of food franchises and popular consumer brands, as well as home-grown enterprises. Located in the town proper are the First Rizal Monument, a white stone obelisk which was built in

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

1898; Daet Heritage Center houses historical items and serves as the town’s socio-civic center, and the Provincial Capitol Complex and the Bulawan Museum. Bagasbas Beach is acknowledged as a surfing site which has hosted various national surfing tournaments, beach sporting events, and the international Kiteboard Tour Asia. The town is also host to paramotor, one of the most popular adventure sports in Daet. Camarines is an emerging faith tourism center with stream of monthly devotees to the Black Nazarene in Capalonga town, and the Our Lady of Candelaria in Paracale Church and the St. Peter the Apostle Church in Vinzons, the oldest parishes in the province founded in 1611. Support facilities such as accommodation and food outlets are needed to provide basic amities to religious devotees. Being expanded is the 8-km. coastal road called Pres. Cory Aquino Blvd. spanning the seaside villages of

of Daet, Mercedes and Talisay. It will spur the demand for tourism establishments in the vicinity, as an alternative to the congested Bagasbas beachfront. The province abounds in Formosa or Queen pineapple, regarded as the sweetest variety, and its production and trading are among the main income earners in the province. Soon to rise in Panganiban town is the 210-hectare Larap Integrated Development Project (LIDP), which will include an ecozone under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, world-class tourism facilities (wake park, hotel and convention center), an international-grade airport. In the master prepared by Palafox and Associates, the project is envisioned to house a transportation and logistics hub; livelihood, food security and export processing; and an entertainment and hospitality center. ACCOMMODATION: 104â&#x20AC;&#x201D;31 hotels (1 first class, 5 standard, and 25 economy), 35 resorts, 18 tourist inns, 9 lodging houses, and 13 homestays. TOTAL NUMBER OF ROOMS: 1,584 FOOD & BEVERAGE: 282 TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES: 13 tour operators, 2 accredited by the Department of Tourism COMMUNICATIONS: 2 AM and 10 FM Radio Stations, 7 Cable TV, 2 Local TV Stations, 5 Post Offices and 8 extensions, 7 private cargo and mail service companies, 5 private telephone companies, 3 cellular companies, 6 local newspapers COST OF DOING BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE: Registration of new project P 1,000.00

ELECTRICITY RATES (COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL) Low Voltage Consumer P 7.860 per kwh High Voltage Consumer P 5.2335 per kwh REAL PROPERTY (PER SQ. M) First District P 850.00 Second District P 750.00 PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS TYPE OF BUINESS LOCATION Accommodation Daet, Talisay, Labo, Capalonga, Vinzons, Paracale,LIDP (Panganiban) Convention centers, Daet, Labo, LIDP (Panganiban) events places Food and beverage Daet, Calaguas Island, Panganiban, Capalonga, Beach resorts Bagasbas (Daet), Apuao Grande (Mercedes), Panganiban Recreational facilities Capalonga, LIDP (Panganiban)

2. Exemption from the basic real property tax take effects on the first day of January of the succeeding year following the year of the Camarines Norte Investment Incentive Board (CANIIB). After 2 years, the registered enterprise will pay one 100% of the tax due. 3. 20% tax credit on infrastructure construction and/ or maintenance on a graduated basis against municipal business taxes, as long as it is embodied in the Municipal Investment Code. 4. 30% tax credit of the total expenses during the year for clean and green projects, subject to certain conditions. GETTING THERE: From Manila, bus companies ply the Manila-Daet route from the terminals at Araneta Center in Cubao and Pasay City. With daily trips day and night, travel time is around 6-7 hours. By private vehicle, CamNorte is a scenic drive along zigzag road which is in itself a unique travel experience. By air, it can be reached via the Naga City airport, and a two-hour hour land travel to Daet.

Retirement Village San Jose (Talisay) River Resorts San Vicente, San Lorenzo Ruiz Tourism Enterprise Zone Tabugon (Sta Elena) LGU INCENTIVES An enterprise registered under the Camarines Norte Investment Incentive Code shall enjoy the following: 1. Exemption from the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Permit Fee and all other charges mandated by provincial ordinances in the first 3 years of commercial operation.

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

www.camarinesnorte.gov.ph OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Provincial Capitol Complex Daet, Camarines Norte (054) 440-1696, ppdocnort@yahoo.com

Capital: Pili City: Naga and Iriga Municipalities: 35 Income Class: First Class Land Area: 5,497 km2 Population: 1,952,544 Tourist Arrival: 2,411,113 (2016)

ICOL’S largest province, CamSur has been hailed as the “Sports and Adventure Tourism Capital of the Philippines”. In 2006, it started developing its tourism industry by building the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) and promoting Caramoan Islands, an idyllic beach destination in the global travel market. The latter has been a regular site for different international editions of the popular reality TV show, “Survivor”, while CWC has hosted global wakeboarding tournaments and other sporting events, most notably Iron Man. These two anchor destinations have helped propel the province become the country’s top tourist destination in 2010. In 2015, CamSur remains Bicol’s most visited province with over 2.06 M arrivals. The province is the region’s largest contributor

to agricultural production, with 20,000 hectares of agricultural and forest land across different towns ready for long-term lease as farm tourism sites. It also has over 355 hectares of land, available for the development of mixed-use tourism parks. Mt. Isarog, a 2,000-meter high stratovolcano, is home to a national park which is habitat to rich endemic flora and fauna. The towns around its foot teem abound with nature- and farm-based activities such as the Deer Farm operated by the provincial government in Ocampo. Tucked in the Pacific coastal towns are scores of secluded powdery beaches and gin-clear water, as well as waterfalls which are still in their raw and pristine state. Its other natural wonders are Lake Baao, Lake Bato which it shares with Albay, and the scenic Lake Buhi which is habitat to the world’s smallest fish—pandaka pygmea.

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

On the investment front, CamSur was awarded as the Most Business-Friendly Province and was the first and only local government to receive a Presidential Citation for Best Practices in Creating Business and Investment-Enabling Environment. It was also one of the Ten Next Wave Cities identified by the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines. It is also the first LGU to enact a Public-Private Partnership ordinance, thus creating an ideal climate for investment. The Province has designated parcels of land within the Capitol Complex and Maycatmon in Milaor (Camarines Sur Tourism Park) as a Tourism Economic Zone. It also has a five-hectare Camarines Sur Information Technology Park (CSTIP), the first local government unit-run IT park run. Located within the

Provincial Capitol Complex in Pili, its flagship enterprise is the CamSur Animation Studio, the first LGU-ran digital animation center. Declared by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) as a Special Economic Zone, it offers a host set of incentives for manufacturing and export-oriented locators. GETTING THERE: There are daily morning and afternoon flights to Naga Airport in Pili. Various bus companies, with regular aircon or premium seats, ply the Manila-Naga route. Travel time is approximately 9 hours with day and night trips. ACCOMMODATION: 235 (24 hotels, 135 resorts, 36 tourist inns, 9 lodging houses, 11 transient houses, 7 apartelles and 13 homestays. NUMBER OF ROOMS: FOOD AND BEVERAGE: TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES: 5 Communications: 26 radio stations, 8 publications, 7 TV stations, 24 cable TV operators, 7 private couriers COST OF DOING BUSINESS

Power Rates Casureco I Casureco II Casureco III Casureco IV

(per kwh) 8.4703 8.2763 9.2586 10.1685

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS TYPE OF BUSINESS LOCATION Hotels Caramoan, Libmanan, Pasacao, Pili, Garchitorena, Buhi, Ocampo, Cabusao, Minalabac, Balatan Agri-Tourism Farms Ocampo, Calabanga Tourism Park Milaor INCENTIVES A registered enterprise under the Camarines Sur Investment Incentive Code shall enjoy the following:

3. Full exemption from the Governor’s Permit Fee for a period not more than five years from the date the registration of the enterprise. 4. If applicable, 50% exemption from the Amusement Tax (provincial share only) for three years from the start of operation. 5. Fifty percent discount on rental of provincial government-owned or controlled and/or operated light and heavy equipment during the construction period but not to exceed two years, provided that the discounted daily rental rate for an eight-hour use per day does not include the equipment operator’s salary and fuel consumption.

1. Full exemption from the 30% Provincial Government share in the proceeds from the Tax on Sand, Gravel and other Quarry Resources during the construction period, but not to exceed two years provided that (1) the sand, gravel and quarry resources are used as materials for construction of buildings and facilities of the investment projects and (2) that at least 60% of the labor component in the construction are residents and registered voters of the province. 2. Exemption from the 35% Provincial Government share in the proceeds from the Real Property Tax for at least four years from the enterprise’s registration with the Board. Exemption rates are as follows—100% (Year 2), 50% (Year 3), and 25% (Year 4).

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur www.camarinessur.gov.ph (054) 881-7552

CATANDUANES

MAP

Capital: Virac Municipalities: 11 Classification: Third Class Province Land Area: 1,511.5 sq. kms. Population: 260, 962 (2015) Tourist Arrival: 199,997 (2016)

ITUATED east of mainland Bicol on the Pacific seaboard, this island province is regarded as a tourism frontier and monikered as the “Happy Island” with its plethora of happy discoveries of well-kept secrets off the beaten path. The capital town of Virac has some of the province’s best tourist accommodation, restaurants, shopping malls, events places and beach resorts with recreational facilities, but still need more players to cater to the growing market who want to explore this tourism frontier. For a glimpse of the province’s cultural heritage, swing by Museo de Catanduanes at the Old Capitol Building in Virac where the provincial tourism office is also located where guests need to register. Its main come-on is the Puraran surf site in Baras dubbed as “Majestic” because of its huge waves suited

for competitions. The beach also boasts of powdery sand and gin-clear water which will delight non-surfers as well. In addition, there are several surfing sites hugging the Pacific shoreline of Catanduanes which has good potentials for tourism development. Emerging as the most stunning attraction, Binurong Point transports its viewers in a picture-perfect paradise emphasized by the breathtaking cliffs, hills and a view of the Pacific Ocean. Other interesting back-tobasic spots are the Cagnipa Rolling Hills and TuwadTuwadan Blue Lagoon in Pandan, which are amazing even in their raw state. The province is blessed with numerous pristine beaches among them Palumbanes Island in Caramoran and Loran Beach in Panay Island, Bagamanoc, a former American outpost.

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

Due to its rugged terrain, Catanduanes abounds in waterfalls, among them Maribina Falls in Bato which is the most frequented because of its accessibility and shallow multi-layered basins. Nahulugan Falls in Gigmoto boasts of a three-tiered drop and a natural pool where bathers can wade and get a refreshing dip. Catandunganons display their religiosity in the monuments of faith such as the Spanish-era St. John the Baptist Church in Bato, a picturesque stone located church near the banks of the clean and green Bato River. There is also the Diocesan Shrine of the Holy Cross in Batalay village, the resting place of Augustinian priest Diego de Herrera, the first Catholic missionary to the province. A quizzical religious spot is the Batong Paluway Chapel in San Andres because of the thumbnail-sized river stone bearing the image of the Virgin Mary which is

believed to have grown over the years. Luyang Cave Park in San Andres has an eerie past when scores of natives where choked to death by Moro pirates in the 17th century by burning red pepper. The cavernous chambers are now favorite route for adventure runners who descend the cave and emerge at a clearing a few hundred meters away. ACCOMMODATION: 44 (12 beach resorts, 1 inland resort, 10 inns / pension houses) NUMBER OF ROOMS: 517 FOOD AND BEVERAGE: 30 TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES: 2â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Katandungan Travel & Tours and Island Escape Travel & Tours TOURISM-RELATED ESTABLISHMENTS: 2 health & wellness spas, 3 souvenir shops, 16 restaurants, 5 shopping centers COMMUNICATIONS: 4 radio stations (1 AM, 3 FM), 6 postal service stations, 2 internet service providers 4 courier services FINANCIAL FACILITIES: 8 commercial banks, 2 government banks COST OF DOING BUSINESS POWER RATE Commercial REAL ESTATE

P 10.79 / kwh

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS TYPE OF BUSINESS LOCATION Hotels with dining facilities Virac Food and Beverage Virac, Bato, Bagamanoc Convention centers, events place Virac Tour & transport operators Virac Beach resorts Puraran (Baras), Bagamanoc Panganiban, Viga, Caramoran and Gigmoto LGU INCENTIVES Based on the Catanduanes Investments and Incentives Code, the Investment and Incentives Board may grant the following incentives to registered new enterprises with a capitalization of at least P 3 million. 1. Registered enterprises shall be fully-exempt from real property tax on equipment and machineries imposed under the Local Government Code of 1991. 2. Enterprises registered with the Board shall, to the extent of their construction, operation, or production, be exempt from the payment of local government imposts, fees, licenses or taxes. Production equipment or machineries, not attached to real estate, used directly or indirectly, in the production, assembly or manufacture of the registered product of the said enterprise shall be exempt from real property taxes. 3. The same set of incentives is applicable to micro enterprises-businesses with capitalization of

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

not more than P 3 million registered under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act of 2002, provided that they register with the Board using their BMBE registration as qualification. 4. Registered enterprises shall be entitled to tax credits, to be determined by the Board, for the followingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; (a) Expenditures on construction of public infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.) as determined by the Board, and (b) land donation to the provincial or municipal government, provided that it will be used in the production of the registered product of the Board-registered enterprise. GETTING THERE: Catanduanes can be reached by air from Manila with daily Cebu Pacific Air regular flights or by Pal Express from Clark. By sea, the ports of entry are San Andres and Virac from Tabaco City in Albay onboard Ro-Ro vessels and fast-craft. It can also reached by chartered boats from Caramoan, Camarines Sur.

www.catanduanes.gov.ph itsmorefunincatanduanes@gmail.com catanduanes.pimo@gmail.com

MASBATE PROVINCE

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Capital: Masbate City Municipalities: 20 Classification: First Class Province Land area: 4,043.27 km2 Population: 834,691 Tourist Arrivals: 282,701

OCATED southwest of the Bicol region, this wedge-shaped archipelagic province is composed of three major islands—Masbate, Ticao and Burias, and other smaller islands near Visayas and mainland Bicol. The province is part of a nautical highway which connects to Cebu, the archipelago’s central transportation hub. Because of its proximity to the Visayas, its people’s language and way of life is a unique blend of Bikol and Visayan cultures. Masbate is the country’s second top producer of cattle, and is the home of the most popular Rodeo tournament in held every April. Hence, it has been given the moniker, “Rodeo Capital”. Cattle ranches offer tours which give visitors an authentic “cowboy” experience—horseback-riding, herding and lassoing

cows, and other basic ranch skills. With a coastline of 968 kms and 11,270 km2 of municipal waters, the province boasts of some of the country’s unheralded and unspoiled powdery beaches such as Buntod Sandbar and Marine Sanctuary in Masbate City, Matincal in Aroroy, San Pedro-Malobago in Catraingan, San Isidro in Claveria, and Porta Vega in Dimasalang, Halea Nature Park in Monreal, and Palani in Balud. Burubangcaso in Monreal, and Animasola and Sombrero in San Pascual are among Masbate’s iconic islets of talcum fine sand, crystalline water and huge monolithic rocks. Tapus Island in Batuan, also known as Minalayo, has crevices of various sizes that lead to an underground lagoon. An international destination is the Manta Bowl

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dive site, an underwater site at Ticao Pass where manta rays feed and have themselves cleaned by smaller fishes. The reef is a six-hectare shoal of coral formation 60 feet below the surface, attesting to its rich marine ecosystem. For investment purposes, the province is clustered into four corridors—Ticao, Burias, Samar Seacoast, Southeast and Southwest. With a long coastline, the development of middleend beach resort hotels and tourist services is a promising investment, especially as the province is gaining prominence as an alternative getaway for beach bums and a frontier off tourism’s beaten path. GETTING THERE: Masbate City is the gateway of the province, with flights and boat trips from Manila and Cebu. From mainland Bicol, it can be reached by fast craft or Ro-Ro

from the port of Pilar in Sorsogon, Burias can be reached from Pasacao, Camarines Sur, while Ticao can be reached via San Jacinto port from Pilar and Bulan in Sorsogon. ACCOMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS: 129 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 1,458 FOOD & BEVERAGE: 64 TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES: 21 TELECOMMUNICATIONS: 3 telecoms firms FINANCIAL SERVICES: 8 commercial banks COST OF DOING BUSINESS

Power Rates (per kwh) Commercial P 5.1167 Industrial P 5.1167

REAL ESTATE Commercial Agricultural

P 6,000.00 m2 P 100,000.00 hectare

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS Food and beverage Town centers of all municipalities Beach Resorts Mainland: Mobo, Dimasalang, Esperanza, Balud, Mandaon, Uson, Palanas, Cataingan, Pio V. Corpuz, Placer, Cawayan, Aroroy, Baleno, Ticao Island: Batuan, San Fernando, San Jacinto, Monreal Burias Island: Claveria, San Pascual Travel Lounges San Pascual, Claveria, Monreal, San Jacinto

3. 3 years exemption from Real Property Tax from completion or occupation, whichever comes first of the expansion/ development program; 4. exemption from Transfer Tax if transfer is made within 3 years from approval of the Certificate of Registration

LGU INCENTIVES For tourist facilities, golf courses, other establishments endorsed by the DOT, the Province offers the following tax incentives 1. Exemption of 3 years on real property tax for new establishments and expansion/development of existing business with capitalization of P 5 M and up. 2. 3 years exemption from Amusement Tax;

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Province of Masbate Masbate City, Masbate (056) 582-0874 antoniokho@gmail.com khoantonioT@gmail.com

Capital: Sorsogon City Municipalities: 14 Income class: Second Class Province Land area: 214.4 sq km Population: 792,949 (2015 Census) Tourist Arrivals: 401,929 (2016)

UZON’S southernmost tip, Sorsogon is a peninsular province with a 336-km coastline embraced by bodies of water on all fronts. Due to its strategic location, it is the transit point for travelers crossing to the Visayas via the San Bernardino Strait through the port of Matnog, as well as those going to Masbate through the ports of Pilar and Bulan. Its being a jump-off port to other provinces presents economic opportunities to entrepreneurs provide various goods and services to travelers. It has a rich biodiversity in the Bicol region because of its lush seas, rivers and tropical rainforests, making tourism a promising major economy activity. Ecotourism has already taken root in the province with the presence of the biggest fish in the world, the whaleshark or butanding in Donsol Bay where guests can swim and interact with them. A supplementary activity in the evening is firefly watching at Ogod River, where hundreds of nocturnal insects inhabit the river and estuaries and provide mesmerizing glow around the mangrove forest. Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, a 3,673-hectare

protected area covering five municipalities, is an iconic natural attraction which has long symbolized Sorsogon. The secondary covered tropical rainforest surrounding the Volcano, whose most photographed portion is the 16-hectare Bulusan Lake is home to the famous “Jade Vine”. Guests can go around the lake on board kayaks and pedal boats and commune with nature in its serene environs. The islands of Tikling and Subic in Matnog are idyllic powdery beach hideaways away from the madding crowd. The latter’s pinkish-white sand has attracted the attention of a foreign group which plans to build a world-class leisure estate. Nature lovers can also frolic into the crystal-clear waters of Juag Lagoon, a mariculture farm in Matnog where one can swim with edible fishes, or paddle boat into the 1,034- hectare Mangrove Forest Reserve in Prieto Diaz which boasts of 19 species of seagrass spread out in 800 hectares, the largest in Bicol. A sought-after watering hole are the therapeutic

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hot springs of Irosin where guests rinse and relax after exploring the province’s waterworld. Gubat, a town in the Pacific coast, is slowly making a name as a top national surfing site because of its waves which are ideal for greenhorn to intermediate surfers. The province is dominantly agriculture with almost 70 % of its land area, producing major crops such as rice, coconut, abaca and pili nut. With its vast farm and fisheries resources, Sorsogon has a very strong potential for the establishment of farm tourism sites. GETTING THERE: From Manila, it can be reached by air via Legazpi City. From there, are vans and buses bound for Sorsogon at the integrated terminal. There are also daily bus trips to Sorsogon City, the transport hub of the province. ACCOMMODATION: 98 (16 hotels, 28 resorts, 14 tourist inns, 23 lodging houses, and 17 homestays) NUMBER OF ROOMS:

FOOD AND BEVERAGE: TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES: 5 (2 accredited by the DOT) BANKS: 7 commercial, 2 government, 3 rural, 7 thrift banks, 2 cooperative banks TELECOMMUNICATIONS: 2 telephone firms, 3 mobile communications providers, 5 internet providers COST OF DOING BUSINESS REAL ESTATE POWER RATES

Soreco I I: P 7.9194 / kwh Soreco II: P 10.63 / kwh

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS TYPE OF BUSINESS LOCATION Accommodation Gubat, Matnog, Bulusan Leisure Parks Sorsogon City, Pilar, Bulan, Matnog Themed park and Resorts Casiguran, Pilar Convention centers/ Bulan, Castilla events places Food and Beverage All Municipalities Tour and transport All Municipalities operators Farm Tourism Sites Castilla, Juban, Bulusan, Irosin, Prieto Diaz

LGU INCENTIVES 1. Full exemption from the annual Governor’s Permit Fees for not more than five years from the enterprise’s registration with the Board. 2. Exemption from the Provincial Government’s 35 percent share from Real Property Tax for a maximum period of five years from the date the enterprise was registered with the Board. 3. Full exemption from the 30 percent Provincial Government share on tax on sand, gravel and quarry resources during the construction period not exceeding two years. Provided, that the sand, gravel or other quarry resources are used as materials for the construction of the investment project, and at least 60 percent of the laborers are residents of the Province. 4. Exemption from the Amusement Tax on Admission (50 percent of provincial share) for five years from the start of commercial operation. 5. 50 percent discount from rental rates of provinceowned/controlled and/or operated light and heavy equipment during construction period not exceeding two years, provided, that the discounted daily rental rate for an eight-hour use per day does not include the salary of the equipment operator. NON-FISCAL INCENTIVES 1. One-stop documentation for simplified registration. 2. Assistance in resolving issues and concerns with national government agencies, non-government organizations and other stakeholders. 3. Support for industrial peace through conciliation and mediation.

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4. Coordination in the negotiation of special rates for utilities for industries with a certain minimum load, if feasible. 5. Networking with government agencies for trainings of workers, and referral to technical and financial assistance programs 6. Facilitation of outbound and inbound missions of investors. 7. Assist potential and existing investors in: (a) securing of business, construction, and other regulatory permits and licenses; (b) identifying business and joint venture partners raw materials suppliers; and (c) sourcing of skilled manpower and service providers. 8. Assistance in site selection and negotiation for right of way. 9. Identification of joint venture partner as deemed necessary. 10. Provide opportunities for micro and small enterprises to participate in trade fairs and exhibits, entrepreneur development and training, and business matching.

www.sorsogon.gov.ph sorsogon_ppdo@yahoo.com (056) 211-0800

IRIGA CITY

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No. of Barangays: 36 Classification: 4th Class City Population: 111,757 (2015) Land Area: 161.43 sq kms Tourist Arrivals: 46,311

ITUATED in Camarines Sur’s southern portion, Iriga is a quaint interior rural city and is the commercial, educational and recreational center of the Rinconada area which is composed of the province’s fifth congressional district. It is also the gateway to Lake Buhi in nearby Buhi town, a scenic lake which is habitat to pandaka pygmea, the world’s smallest fish. Chartered on September 3, 1968 by virtue of Republic Act 5261, it is positioning itself to be a sports, culture and arts, and agro-eco tourism center in the Bicolandia. As such, it is attracting small and medium enterprises on these businesses to maximize its economic potentials. It has been been identified as one of Top 10 Emerging Next Wave Cities in the Philippines for Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) in 2015 and 2016 because of its good IT infrastructure and skilled human resources.

Dubbed as the “City of Crystal Clear Springs”, Iriga is endowed with more than 30 natural springs providing a rich water source for drinking, resort recreation and irrigation. Its iconic natural landmark is the 1,149-meter Mt. Asog which rich in biodiversity, including wild berries and agoho trees, Rafflesia Irigaense, the smallest specie of the world’s biggest flower. Also known as Mt. Iriga or Mt. Sumagang, it is a favorite among mountaineers and hikers as its summit has a 3-hectare sunken crater with a pine forest with a stunning view. It is also the ancestral domain of Agta indigenous people whose Tabangnon tribe lives at Ilian Hill at the mount’s foot. Situated atop a hill in the heart of the city, one can ascend the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes or the Emerald Grotto at Calvary Hills through a 100-step stairway. The hilltop Inorogan Chapel in Brgy. Sto. Domingo was built to commemorate the miraculous escape during Mt. Asog’s 1614 eruption. The miracle is attributed to the Our

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Lady of Angustia, whose image was found at its current site by Agta hunters. A unique natural spot is the Sarikaw rock which is shaped like a man and a dog, this monolith was named after a legendary hunter whom local lore says was transformed into stone by a mountain goddess after he ventured into her abode. For a touch of history, swing by the St. Anthony Padua Church, the Philtranco Transport Heritage Museum which houses the memorabilia of the country’s first bus company—A. L. Ammen Transportation Company, and the Bicol Folkloric Museum at Hotel Ibalon, which contains a Spanish manuscript fragment of the Ibalon Bicol epic legend, as well as excavated artifacts around the suburbs. Another cultural icon is the Barit Bridge in Barangay Santiago which has been declared by the National Museum as an Important Cultural Property for its exceptional cultural, artistic and historical significance.

An earth-friendly experiential attraction is the Iriga City Organic Agricultural Learning Farm (ICOALF), a hands-on farm where one learns planting rice, processing food and briquetting The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich religious and cultural heritage is reflected in the Tinagba Festival, a harvest ritual thanksgiving parade, held every February 11 in time for the patronal feast of the Our Lady of Lourdes. Iriga also throws a grand party to celebrate its cityhood, a turning point in its local history. ACCOMMODATIONS: 10 Hotels, 16 Resorts NUMBER OF ROOMS:

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS TYPE OF BUSINESS Mid-range business hotels Budget accommodation Resorts Convention centers & events places Adventure / Eco-parks Agri-tourism learning center Pilgrimage Tourism Site

City Proper Bgy. San Nicolas Bgy. San Agustin Bgy. San Nicolas and Sto. Domingo Transport services Bgy. Sta. Cruz Sur Ampitheater for culture and sports Bgy. Sta. Cruz Sur

FOOD AND BEVERAGE: 22 Restaurants TREs: 14 spas, 17 shopping centers

Real Estate per sq. meter Commercial P 10,000.00 to P 17,000.00 (urban) P 3,000.00 to P 7,000.00 (rural)

1 Year

4. A One-Stop Action Center which assists in project development and documentation, site selection, securing local permits and licenses, accessing private and government financial and technical assistance, joint venture matching, manpower and skills development, special agreements with local utilities, disaster risk reduction and management / climate change adaptation advocacies and green incentives.

1. Exemption from payment of the franchise tax based on the following capitalization:

COST OF DOING BUSINESS Power (per kwh) Commercial 10.2242 Industrial P 9.38

P 3 M

LGU INCENTIVES

TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES: 4 TELECOMMUNICATIONS: 6 telcos (mobile and landline). Fiber optics cable are being prepared for investments on IT parks and call centers.

LOCATION City Proper City Proper

Fund and imposed under the City Tax Code from approval date or registration based on the assessed value in case of land, and acquisition cost in the case of machineries /equipment as follows:

P 3 to P 5 M P 5 to P 10 M P 10 M above

3 Years 4 Years 5 years

2. Amusement taxes from date approval of registration as follows:

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

100% 75% 25%

3. Basic Real Estate Tax on property and improvements, buildings and machineries accruing to the General

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

Office of the City Mayor Iriga City Hall, Camarines Sur www.iriga.gov.ph (054) 299-1989 * 0908-8728632 irigacityofficial@yahoo.com

LEGAZPI CITY

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Barangays: 70 (25 urban and 45 rural) Classification: Second Class Component City Land Area: 20.42 sq. km. Tourist Arrivals: 1,199,291 (2016) Population: 196,639 (2015)

ITUATED near the foot of the perfect-coned Mayon Volcano, Legazpi is the provincial capital of Albay and the regional administrative center of Bicol. It is a major center for tourism, education, health services, commerce and transportation where various points of the region can be reached. Chartered on June 12, 1959 by virtue of Republic Act 2234, the city started as a fishing and farming village called Sawangan. A Spanish Royal Decree in renamed the place in memory of conquistador and first governorgeneral Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Legazpi was recognized as the most businessfriendly city in Southern Luzon (2007) by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It was also ranked second Most Livable Cities (2014) and third Over-All Most Competitive Component City (2016) by the National Competitive Council. It is a growing metropolis with the entry of big

players in mall development and retail industry, and popular lifestyle and food brands. Home to the most stylish hotels in the region, there is a growing demand in the lodging sector because of the city’s positioning as the regional center for MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions). Due to its accessibility and modern amenities, the city has hosted hundreds of regional, national and international conferences and sporting events with thousands of participants. It boasts of a couple of hotelbased and stand-alone convention centers, events places and sports facilities. Dubbed the “City of Fun and Adventure”, Legazpi is known for its all-terrain vehicle (ATV) ride in Bgy. Pawa to the Black Lava Wall experienced by local and foreign celebrities. There are three (3) Zipline facilities in the city, namely, Ligñon Hill, which has a 360-degree view of the city, Lava Wall, situated at the slope of the Mayon

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Volcano, and Legazpi Boulevard at the Embarcadero de Legazpi area. Legazpi Boulevard, the longest bay road outside Metro Manila, is a haven for fitness buff by daytime and a nocturnal colony by night with its rows of food and beverage outlets, grilleries, and watering holes. The said road has spurred a new growth corridor along the city shoreline and will connect to the new Bicol International Airport, which is under construction. An emerging adventure activity is scuba diving at Albay Gulf due to the presence of 16 sites teeming with coraline and aquatic life. Because of its numerous and cheaper flights, Legazpi serves as the alternate airport for passengers bound for Masbate, Naga and Catanduanes. There are also occasional international charter flights to and from key cities in Asia. The city also takes pride in its integrated bus

POWER RATES

terminal which has made public land transportation and souvenir shopping convenient. The city also envisions itself as a port of call by major international cruise liners, and is planning to build a cruise port.

Getting There: Legazpi is accessible by air with day and night flights from and to Manila and Cebu. There are also regular aircon premium buses emanating from Manila.

REAL PROPERTY Location Rate per sq.m. (commercial) City Proper P 8,000.00 (verify at City Assessor’s Office)

ACCOMMODATION: 98

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS TYPE OF BUSINESS LOCATION Hotels City Proper, Albay District Food & Beverage City Proper, Albay District, Ligñon Hill Beach Resorts Rawis, Bigaa, Arimbay Watersports Complex Bgy. Puro Dawitan Eco-Park Bgy. Homapon

FOOD AND BEVERAGE: 136 NO OF ROOMS: 1,803 CONVENTION FACILITIES: 17—13 hotel based, 4 stand-alone TRAVEL AGENCIES AND TOUR OPERATORS: 27 (13 DOT accredited) BANKS: 29 Banks—21 private & 8 government MEDICAL FACILITIES: 142 (6 Hospitals, 136 clinics and health centers) COMMUNICATIONS: 20 radio stations, 5 cable TV providers, 1 local TV station, 20 local and national newspapers, 4 internet service providers, 28 courier, cargo and trucking service providers COST OF DOING BUSINESS

Average Lean High

P 9.00 P 7.50 to P 8.00 P 10.00 to P 11.00

Small Enterprises Medium Enterprises Large Enterprises

3 years 4 years 5 years

2. Exemption from the basic Real Property Tax on property improvements, buildings, and machineries. The period of Tax exemptions is subject to the following qualifications: Small Enterprises Medium Enterprises Large Enterprises

3 years 4 years 5 years

3. Provision of appropriate skills trainings to employees of investors.

LGU INCENTIVES A registered enterprise qualified under the Legazpi City Investment Incentive Code shall enjoy the following: 1. Exemption from the Mayor’s Permit fees, Building Permit fees, Business Sales Taxes, and other fees and charges imposed under the existing city ordinances, with period of exemptions subject to the following qualifications:

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

www.legazpi.gov.ph legazpiblast@gmail.com legazpitourismservices@gmail.com (052) 480-2465, 480-2339

LIGAO CITY

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No. of Barangays: 55—31 urban, 11 rural, and 3 coastal Classification: Fourth Class Population: 111, 399 (2015) Land Area: 24.6 sq. km. Tourist Arrivals: 537,014 (2016)

OUNDED as a sitio of Polangui town, Ligao was ceded to Oas town in 1665 and became an independent municipality in 1666. The once small settlement called sitio of Cavasi has prospered economically, socially and politically. Its name may have been derived from the Bicol term “licao” which means to go on a deviation, a re-routing to avoid a point. On March 24, 2001, it was converted into a component city by virtue of Republic Act No. 9008. Ligao serves as the commercial and urban hub of Albay’s third district because of its location. To celebrate its cityhood, the local government introduced the Sunflower Festival in 2012 to symbolize the city’s vibrant life. The City’s top tourist attraction is the Kawa-Kawa Hill Natural Park. Showcasing a nature park, a religious destination and a religious sanctuary, the hill is called as such because of its hollowed top shaped like a cauldron.

The journey to the hill is adorned by the life-size statues depicting the Stations of the Cross, the final station of which is located in the hilltop with a commanding view of the province. Due to the volume of visitors during Lenten Season, Kawa-Kawa Hill has become one of Albay’s pilgrimage areas. Within the hill is the one-hectare Sunflower Farm which was introduced in 2012, and became of one of the first of its kind in the Philippines. Getting There: By air, it can be reached via Legazpi City, and a 45-minute land trip. Bus companies ply the Legazpi route, which makes a brief stopover in Ligao. With daily trips day and night, travel time is around 10 hours. ACCOMMODATION: 11—1 hotel, 1hometel, 2 pension houses, 2 resorts, 1 lodging house & 2 inns. NUMBER OF ROOMS: 307

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

FOOD & BEVERAGE: 16 COST OF DOING BUSINESS

Power Rates Commercial Residential

(Ave. rate per kwh) P 8.3560 P 9.3269

Cost of Real Estate (per sq. m.)

Commercial P 800 – 1,200 / sq. m. Central business district P 6,000.00 COMMUNICATIONS: 2 FM Radio Stations,3 internet service providers, 3 cable TV services, 1 post office, 4 telephone companies, mobile, 10 courier firms

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS TYPE OF BUSINESS LOCATION Accommodation Brgy. Tuburan, Diversion Road, Brgy. Binatagan Beach Resorts Brgys. Maonon, Cabarian, Catburawan Inland Resorts Brgy. Herrera, Brgy. Amtic, Brgy. Batang Food & Beverage Poblacion, Brgy. Tuburan and near Kawa-Kawa Natural Park Function Halls Poblacion, Brgy. Tuburan, Diversion Road Souvenir Shops Kawa-Kawa Natural Park, Poblacion LGU INCENTIVES A registered enterprise under the Ligao City Investment Code shall enjoy the following: 1. Exemption from Tax or Transfer of Real Properties

whenever applicable. 2. Exemption of 100% of Real Property Tax for one year after approval of the application for registration,and exemption from the same tax for 6 years from start of operation in the condition and manner herein prescribed:

100 % 80% 60% 40% 20% 10%

for right of way. 4. Assistance in labor/ personnel recruitment. 5. Assistance in arbitration process. 6. Maintenance of industrial peace by the city government. 7. Other non-fiscal incentives as may be determined by the Board.

1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year 5th year 6th year

3. Exemption from 100% of Amusement Tax for 3 years from start of operation. NON-FISCAL INCENTIVES 1. Services of a one-stop center for documentation procedures required by the City Government. 2. Assistance in securing direct source of electric power and water supply connection. 3. Assistance in site selection and negotiation

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

Office of the City Mayor Ligao City Hall, Albay www.ligaocity.gov.ph ligaotourismoffice@yahoo.com (052) 202-0884

MASBATE CITY

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Number of barangays: 30 Classification: Fourth Class Component City Population: 95,389 (2015) Land Area: 188 sq. kms. Tourist Arrivals: 192,473 (2016)

ASBATE City, the capital of Masbate Province, is the gateway to exploring the country’s cowboylandia. Converted a component city on August 16, 2000, it is a growing urban center where popular food chains, retail malls and lifestyle brands and franchises have made their presence. Home-grown establishments—coffee shops, restaurants and salons are also making a name for themselves which indicate a growing purchasing power among locals. The city is host to the Rodeo Masbateño, the country’s biggest and most popular rancher-themed annual festival held in April which draws hundreds of cowboys from ranches and agricultural colleges across the Philippines. But beyond the Rodeo, the city is a travel frontier with a great tourism potential despite its rugged and outdoor terrain.

Its idyllic land and pristine waters is a unique blend of a relaxing ecosystem suited for ecotourism, as its natural features provide can adventurers an experience beyond the ordinary. Its coastline is lined with seagrasses, mangroves and corals complemented with lush green forests, diverse flora and fauna. Must-visit places are the award-winning 250-hectare Buntod Sand Bar and Marine Sanctuary and the 50- hectare Bugsayon Marine Sanctuary where you can see amazing live corals and diverse marine species. The 300-hectare Pawa Mangrove Ecosystem and Wildlife Park is the City’s biggest area of mangrove growth where one can appreciate the role of mangrove forests in maintaining the ecosystem along a 1.3-km boardwalk. For a glimpse of its checkered past, visit Villa Bayot, a circa-1880 heritage house which has hosted numerous social gatherings by the local gentry.

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The city is also the jump-off to Ticao Island which is known for its unique natural wonders, lush marine life and the Manta Bowl dive site which lures foreign scuba divers. Masbate’s coastal way of life is reflected in Lapay Bantigue Festival held in September to mark its cityhood, a dance art which originated from the graceful movements of hovering birds known as lapay or seagulls which abound in the coastal barangay of Bantigue. Flocks of seagulls which fly around daily creating amazing sceneries have inspired townspeople to come up with a folk dance. GETTING THERE: Masbate City has flights and boat trips coming from Manila and Cebu. From mainland Bicol, it can be reached from the port of Pilar, Sorsogon or Pio Duran, Albay. The City is also the jump-off to the islands of Ticao and Burias.

ACCOMMODATION: 18â&#x20AC;&#x201D;10 hotels, 3 resorts, 3 lodging houses, 1 pension house, 1 tourist inn NUMBER OF ROOMS: 441 FOOD AND BEVERAGE: 64 TRAVEL AGENCIES AND TOURS OPERATORS: 4 COMMUNICATIONS: 4 telephone companies, 3 Courier Companies, 2 TV stations, 1 telegraph company, 1 public postal system, 2 local radio stations COST OF DOING BUSINESS Power rates: Commercial P 5.1163/kwh Residential P 5.1163/kwh

High P 1,000.00 P 1,500.00

Real Property (per sq m) 1st class 2nd class 3rd class

P 1,900.00 P 1,500.00 P 1,100.00

3. ID for its staff who have undergone trainings on tourist handling or front desk seminar; 4. Inclusion in the promotion and marketing activities of the City; 5. Endorsement when applying for DOT accreditation; 6. Endorsement and linkages with the National & International Travel Trade; 7. Participation in familiarization tours and other activities sponsored by the MCTO, DOT and other agencies to develop emerging tourism sites, attractions, or destinations within or outside the City; and 8. Participation in meetings, summits, fora and related activities to establish and strengthen linkages within the industry and to exchange business opportunities.

LGU INCENTIVES

Commercial Space Rentals (Per square meter) Office Space Shopping Malls

PRIORITY INVESTMENTS AREAS TYPE OF BUSINESS LOCATION Travel agencies and City Proper tour operators Accommodation City Proper, Government Center Convention centers, City Proper, events places Government Center Health and wellness City Proper Food and beverage City Proper, Government Center Dive shop Barangay Nursery area Sea transport service Port of Masbate

Low P 200.00 P 250.00

Investors can enjoy fiscal incentives for tourism-related business enterprises. MCTO Certified tourism establishments and individuals shall be granted a discount of 25 percent from Amusement Tax for amusement/tourism related activities for one year. When certified, the tourism establishment or individual is entitled to the following non-fiscal benefits and privileges: 1. Certification Sticker or ID; 2. Orientation for company employees such as tourism awareness and landscape, tourist handling for front liners/front desk / employees & staff;

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Masbate City, Masbate www.masbatecity.gov.ph lgumasbatecity@gmail.com (056) 582-0781

NAGA CITY

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No. of Barangays: 27 (22 urban & 5 rural) Classification: Second Class Population: 111,399 (2015) Land Area: 84.48 sq. km. Tourist Arrivals: 1,209,202 (2016)

UBBED as the “Heart of Bicol”, Naga is the center of commerce, education, spirituality, and culture in the region. A highlyurbanized chartered city, it is centrally located in the soil of Camarines Sur, although it is independent from the province. It has some of Bicol’s best hotels, food and beverage outlets, shopping malls, retail shops, franchise stores, and recreational areas, making it an ideal location for trading, business process outsourcing, and tourism establishments and services. Naga is also a favorite for regional and national conventions because of its facilities and services for conferences, exhibitions and corporate events. It is also a major transport hub where the towns in Camarines Sur and the region can be reached. Naga is the core and primary mover of the Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC), an alliance of 16 municipalities which seeks to synergize their economic potentials. The growing metropolis is experiencing unprecedented property boom due to the entry of big players in the real estate industry, and is looking at establishing a third central business district to spread

economic opportunities in the city’s fringes along the Almeda bypass road. The city takes pride in its rich history dating back to the precolonial era, evident in the existence of communities along the river. Formally organized as a Spanish settlement in 1575, then named Ciudad de Caceres, it was bestowed the title as the colony’s third Spanish royal city after Cebu and Manila. For over 300 years, Naga has been the center of the country’s biggest devotion to the Virgin Mary which is highlighted by the Feast of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia, a nine-day pilgrimage held every third week of September which draws hundreds of thousands of faithful. The seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Caceres, one of the biggest in country, the city is home to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Basilica Minore, the Peñafrancia Shrine and the San Francisco de Assisi Church. The presence of these houses of worship make Naga a top destination for faith tourism, one of the new thrusts being promoted by the DOT. The barangays in the city’s outskirts has the most number of inland resorts and biking trails frequented by local excursionists and visitors alike. Further upland

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

are the Ecology Park and Mt. Isarog Natural Park which covers Malabsay and Nabontolan Falls, the must-go to eco-tourism spots which have made accessible by good roads and regular public transportation. GETTING THERE: Naga is about 45 minutes by air, with daily flights from Manila. Naga Airport, located in Pili town, is 12 kms away from the city proper. There are also scores of bus lines with regular aircon and premium units plying the Naga route. ACCOMMODATION: 75—(breakdown into hotels, resort, inns, pension house, etc.) NUMBER OF ROOMS: 2,519 FOOD AND BEVERAGE: 138 TRAVEL AND TOUR AGENCIES: 47 SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: 33 SPA AND WELLNESS: 20

TOURIST TRANSPORT: 25 PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS FACILITY LOCATION Inland themed resorts & Almeda Highway (proposed Tourism complexes Central Business District 3) Upland tourism complexes Bgy. Panicuason LGU INCENTIVES Investments in priority areas are entitled to the following fiscal incentives during the first 5 years of operation: 1. Exemption from the payment of basic real property taxes 2. Exemption from the payment of business taxes 3. Investments within the Panganiban-Roxas Growth Triangle and the Naga South Riverfront Growth Area, and those under joint agribusiness ventures, expansion projects and green investments, however, have separate incentives. 4. Additional facilities or equipment installed due to expansion, or additional floors on buildings within Central Business Districts 1 to 3 are exempt from the basic real property taxes for 5 years. 5. An enterprise which plants trees at specified locations is entitled to deduct P 10,000 from its gross receipts for each growing tree, subject to the following conditions: • A tree must have been growing for at least 1 year and must be at least 4 feet at the time it is applied for incentives. • The deduction should not to exceed 30% of

the gross receipts for the year. Any excess may be charged against succeeding tax years for a maximum of 3 years subject to the same ceiling of 30% of gross receipts. • A tree/s which are destroyed or otherwise die due to negligence by the enterprise within the period of availment shall result in the addition of P 10,000 to the current tax base for each tree lost. Availment can only be done once every 3 years. • In case of a change of ownership of the enterprise, the incentive shall not be transferred to the new owner but shall continue to be enjoyed by the original owner and applied to his new enterprise, provided that the period shall prescribe within 2 years from the date of application regardless of whether the owner availed of it or not. • An enterprise availing of this incentive must file an application with the NCIB regarding its intent to plant, the tree specie, location and the date of planting, which shall be completed within 1 month from approval. 6. Landscaping. An enterprise which landscapes its premises or other approved areas may deduct the direct cost from its gross receipts subject to the following conditions: • The deduction should not to exceed 30% of the annual gross receipt. Any excess may be charged against succeeding tax years for a maximum of 3 years subject to the same 30% ceiling. • The incentive can be availed of only once every 3 years.

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

Non-Fiscal Incentives The Naga City Investment Board operates a OneStop-Shop to take care of investor needs. Services are available to all investors such as the following: 1. Assistance in securing permits and licenses— processing of local permits and facilitation of national government requirements (registration, land conversion, incentives with the BOI and PEZA) 2. Assistance in identifying business location and factory site. 3. Joint venture match-making. 4. Facilitating access to government financial and technical assistance programs. 5. Facilitating service connections with local utilities. 6. Other non-fiscal incentives as may be needed by the investor.

www.naga.gov.ph alec.santos@naga.gov.ph (054) 228-0001

SORSOGON CITY

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No. of Barangays: 64 (18 Urban and 46 Rural) Classification: Third Class Component City Population: 168,110 (2015) Land Area: 296.93 km2 Tourist Arrivals: 146,894 (2016—126,425 domestic, 20,469 foreign)

HARTERED in 2000 with the merger of the municipalities of Sorsogon and Bacon, Sorsogon City is the bustling provincial capital of Sorsogon. It serves as a transhipment point to vehicles en route to Visayas and Mindanao, as well as the interior towns of the province. As a growing urban hub in southern Bicol, popular food, retail and lifestyle brands and franchises, as well as malls and supermarkets have set foot in recent years. Support facilities like housing, hospitals, health and fitness gyms, and sports facilities are accessible within the city. The city government has adopted a “businessfriendly” environment with affordable business taxes, earning it vital rankings in the Competitiveness Index of the National Competitive Council. As a part of its expansion, the City has identified an economic zone in its northeastern sector, covering the barangays of Buhatan, Cabid-an and Bibincahan, which will include a 50-hectare agro-industrial zone for a food terminal, warehouses, light industries and commercial

establishments catering to residents and tourists. To carry out major building projects, the city is encouraging public-private-partnerships for the construction of a convention center within the city proper and a leisure complex at Rompeolas and Pinaculan Island. To ride the momentum of the increase in tourist arrivals, the city government is developing the ecotourism industry because of its natural attributes, most of which are seaside attractions and upland trails. Along the coastline of Bacon District is the rock island Paguriran has a limestone basin which becomes a salt water lagoon at high tide. Located just a hundred meters away from the shore, this iconic atoll can be reached by wading during low tide. A few minutes away is Pagol Beach, whose inviting waters reflect the lush greens of the surrounding outcrop, while Lebanon Beach has smooth, fine sand and rolling waves ideal for surfing. Tolonggapo Beach, which is so-called because of three protruding rocks, is another

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

popular haunt for both domestic and foreign guests. Rompeolas Boardwalk, which offers a view of Sorsogon Bay and Mount Bulusan, is ideal for jogging and light recreational exercises, picnics, or for simply viewing the dramatic sunset. The same kaleidoscopic dusk is among the many attractions of the Buhatan Eco-Tourism River Cruise along the 3-km estuary. The cruise can be done by daytime which concludes with a sumptuous lunch, or at sunset where firefly-watching can be an added activity. Luxe travelers can bask in the rustic allure of Siama Hotel, a high-end and designer inland resort tucked in amidst a lush vegetation. It organizes tours around the city’s attractions and has hosted foreign dignitaries, international celebrities and pageant delegates. Bacman Geothermal Eco Park, situated inside an energy plant, has a waterfalls, a nursery and buttterfly farm, fruit bats and viewdeck that offers a heady view of Sorsogon and its environs. A common pit stop for motorists is Pepita Park,

a scenic roadside rest area with a picturesque view of Sorsogon Bay and is ideal for coffee or quick meals. Located downtown is the Provincial Capitol Complex is a postcard-pretty American-era neoclassical edifice in the heart of the City which is a favorite for an afternoon promenade. The best time to visit is during the Pili Festival held in the last week of June in conjunction with the Patronal feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. The fest highlights the versatility of the pili, the local almond which abounds in Sorsogon, through street dances and a variety of special events. Getting There: By air, it can be reached via Legazpi City, and a 45-minute land trip. From Manila, bus companies ply the Manila-Tabaco route with a travel time of around 11 hours. ACCOMMODATION: 26 (3 DOT Accredited) TOTAL NO. OF ROOMS: 499 FOOD AND BEVERAGE: 58 TRAVEL AGENCIES AND TOUR OPERATORS: 12 COMMUNICATIONS: 2 private telecommunication companies- PLDT and Bayantel, 3 mobile service providers, 5 internet providers- Globe, Smart, PDLT, Bayantel, DCTV BANKS: 14 COST OF DOING BUSINESS

Power Rates (per kwh) Commercial P 10.63 Industrial P 9.18

Real Property (per sq. m.)

Central Business District P 15, 000.00 Space rental P 3, 258.29

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS TYPE OF BUSINESS LOCATION Hotels with dining facilities Sorsogon City Proper Tour and transport operators Sorsogon City Proper Beach Resorts Bacon District Food & beverage Rompeolas, Buhatan River, Balogo Convention center Diversion Road (Cabid-an) Event Center Rompeolas Family Park Tourist Receiving / Boat Rides Buhatan River Spring Resorts Suhi Springs, Panlayaan; Bucalbucalan Spring, Bucalbucalan Alburo Spring, Ticol Island Resort Complex Pinaculan Treasure Island

to establishments of international standards such as, but not limited to the following: a. 5-Star deluxe hotels b. International Convention Centers c. Resorts or recreational parks of international standards d. Such similar establishments as may be determined by the Sorsogon City Tourism Office 4. Establishments may also apply for the utilization of City-owned lands through lease agreements or joint ventures under terms and conditions approved by the City Council. NON-FISCAL INCENTIVES 1. Assistance in the registration of business 2. Business advisory, business information and advocacy 3. Simplified three-step business registration 4. 1 to 2 day business registration

LGU INCENTIVES 1. Equal preference to large investments, those with great potential for employment, and local small and medium enterprises. 2. Tourism-oriented and related establishments which are duly licensed by the City Government shall be entitled to a five-year tax exemption from the time of registration. 3. The City Council may, upon recommendation of the Sorsogon City Tourism Office, grant tax exemptions

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

City of Sorsogon Cabid-an, Sorsogon City www.sorsogoncity.gov.ph cpdosorcity@yahoo.com tourismsorcity@gmail.com

TABACO CITY

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PARKS & OPEN SPACE

Barangays : 47 (21 urban and 26 rural) Classification: Fourth Class Component City Population: 133,868 (2015) Land Area: 12.2 sq. kms. Tourist Arrivals: 557,125 local and foreign (2016)

ABACO City is the urban, commercial and tourism hub of the first district of Albay, consisting of the coastal municipalities on the Pacific seaboard. It traces its roots to 1587 with the missionary work of Franciscan friars, and was dedicated to the patronal devotion of St. John the Baptist. Established as a township in 1731 and was converted into a component city on March 24, 2001 by virtue of Republic Act No. 9020. Its name is believed to have been coined from the word “tabak” or bolo, which has been its major product for decades which are created by skilled blacksmiths. Its main tourist attraction is the Mayon Planetarium and Science Park located at about 2,000 feet above sea level on the shoulder of the mythical volcano. With a soothing vista or the mountains and the sea, the park is ideal for picnics, educational tours, mountain biking and outdoor bonding moments.

For a glimpse of its checkered past, visit the Spanish-era heritage structures which have withstood the ravages of time—the St. John the Baptist Church, which was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and the Cimburrio mortuary chapel at the public cemetery. For a glimpse of Tabaco’s storied past, tours at the Smith, Bell and Co. house, locally known as “bahay na bato” can be arranged with the city tourism office. There is also the National Museum branch, which chronicles Mayon’s geological history and Bicol region’s age-old abaca fiber industry. The City has several home-grown cozy boutique hotels, specialty dining outlets, coffee shops, small shopping malls, and spring resorts which cater to guests of neighboring towns. The city is also developing barangays adjacent to

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

the poblacion to open opportunities for business and livelihood in other areas. San Miguel island, located a few kilometers offshore, is an emerging tourism zone with its unspoiled beaches and rich marine life ideal for snorkeling, free diving and other ecotourism water recreational activities. Its rolling terrain and scenic views of Mayon, and the mountains of Malinao and Masaraga is best appreciated on bicycle or motorcycle. Tabaco is the jump-off point for passenger vessels to San Andres and Virac in Catanduanes, and a port for cargo shipments originating from the Pacific Ocean. GETTING THERE: By air, it can be reached via Legazpi City, and a 45-minute land trip. From Manila, bus companies ply the Manila-Tabaco route with a travel time of around 11 hours.

ACCOMMODATION: 27—7 hotels; 3 resorts; 2 tourist inns; 11 lodging houses; and, 2 hometels, 2 homestays TOTAL NUMBER OF ROOMS: 302 FOOD & BEVERAGE: 16 restaurants and 7 franchised fastfood chains

PRIORITY INVESTMENT AREAS TYPE OF BUSINESS Hotels with dining facilities

TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES: 6 travel agencies (1 accredited by the DOT)

Tourist inns Convention center & events place Food & Beverage

COMMUNICATIONS: 3 FM Radio Stations, 2 Cable TV, 1 Post Office, mail service companies, 4 telecom providers and internet services

Homestays

FINANCIAL SERVICES: 12 banks Cost of Doing Business

Power Rates (Commercial / Industrial) Low Voltage Consumer P 8.0822 per kwh High Voltage Consumer P 6.8491 per kwh

Beach resorts Convenience stores

LOCATION Cabagñan, San Antonio, Pawa, Cabagñan San Antonio Pawa Poblacion, Pawa, San Miguel Island Rawis, Visita, Sagurong, Agñas (San Miguel Is.), Hacienda

1. Token for the first 100 applicants of Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) for the month of January 2. 20% discounts from the basic real property tax to the lot owners if payments made on the last quarter before the fiscal year.

San Miguel Island (Rawis, Visita, Agñas, Hacienda, Sagurong) Rawis (San Miguel Island) Visita (San Miguel Is.)

TAX INCENTIVES Tabaco City Government is in the process of crafting its investment code. At present, registered enterprises are

BICOL TOURISM INVESTMENT GUIDEBOOK

receiving the following incentives:

ww.tabacocity.com.ph (052) 732-7527 local 3052 tourismtabaco@yahoo.com tabacocity_cpdo@yahoo.com

ACKNOWLEDGMENT The Bicol Regional Tourism Council wishes to acknowledge the following for their support for the production of this Guidebook SECRETARIAT Benjamin F. Santiago, DOT Regional Director and BRTC Chairman Agnes E. Tolentino, NEDA Regional Director and BRTC Vice-Chair Fe R. Buela, BRTC Secretariat Head Rhizza S. Espiritu, BRTC Secretary Engr. Gilbert A. Abion, BRTC Technical Working Group Member Ester B. Barria, BRTC Technical Working Group Member PROVINCIAL GOVERNORS Hon. Al Francis C. Bichara, Albay Hon. Edgardo A. Tallado, Camarines Norte Hon. Miguel Luis R. Villafuerte, Camarines Sur Hon. Joseph C. Cua, Catanduanes Hon. Antonio T. Kho, Masbate Hon. Robert Lee Rodrigueza, Sorsogon CITY MAYORS Hon. Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen, Iriga Hon. Noel E. Rosal, Legazpi Hon. Patricia Gonzales-Alsua, Ligao Hon. John G. Bongat, Naga Hon. Rowena R. Tuason, Masbate Hon. Sally A. Lee, Sorsogon Hon. Krisel L. Lagman, Tabaco TOURISM AND PLANNING & DEV’T OFFICERS Dorothy F. Colle, Albay

Mariano E. Palma, Camarines Norte Manny Paliño and Ren Mangaban, Camarines Sur Carmel B. Garcia, Catanduanes Roberto S. Leyco, Masbate Cristina J. Racelis, Sorsogon Peter Lagyap, Iriga Cristina Agapita S. Pacres, Legazpi Ma. Gina R. Balingbing, Ligao Esperanza D. Carullo, Masbate City Alec Francis A. Santos, Naga Asuncion Alejo and John Eric Sipoy, Sorsogon City Eric B. Valeriano, Tabaco MEMBER AGENCIES Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Department of Agriculture Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Department of Science and Technology Department of Trade and Industry Maritime Industry Authority Department of Social Works and Development National Telecommunications Commission Philippine Information Agency Philippine National Police Philippine Ports Authority Technical Educational Skills Development Authority PRODUCTION TEAM Bernard Supetran, Editor Leonardo S. De Leon, Graphic Artist