WAVE RIDER Local surfers ride the waves in Baler, Aurora, in this photo taken on February 4, 2022. Aurora, popular for its surfing spots, beaches and ecotourism destinations, is expecting an influx of visitors as restrictions for leisure and business travel have been eased due to the improving COVID-19 situation in the province. —REM ZAMORA
MANILA, Philippines — The proposed measure declaring the town of Baler in Aurora as the birthplace of Philippine surfing only needs the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for it to become a law.
The Senate marked the resumption of the session on Monday by passing on the third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1615, or the Proposed Act recognizing the Municipality of Baler in the Province of Aurora as the Birthplace of Philippine Surfing, with 21 votes in the affirmative.
The bill was filed and sponsored by Senator Sonny Angara, while its counterpart in the House of Representatives was lodged mainly by his cousin, Aurora Rep. Rommel Rico Angara.
READ: Senate bill wants Baler declared as ‘Birthplace of PH Surfing’
The lower chamber approved and elevated to the Senate its version of the proposed measure in November last year.
The report of the Senate tourism committee, recommending the approval of the bill with amendments, enjoined the Department of Tourism (DOT) to prioritize the development of Baler.
DOT likewise sought to assist Baler’s municipal government in the implementation of a tourism development plan that included “the construction, installation, and maintenance of such facilities and infrastructure as may be necessary and appropriate to promote the beaches and surfing activities in the area.”
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