Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Enchanted City of Biringan is a mythical invisible city, located in the heart 
of Pagsanghan, Samar. The name “Biringan” means “The Black City” or “The Invisible 
City” in Waray, the local language, for “hanapan ng mga nawawala” or where one finds 
the lost. Despite its mystical status, Biringan has gained a following of curious travelers 
who are interested in exploring the mysteries and supernatural stories associated with 
it.  
Tourism in Biringan, Pagsanghan would certainly help tourism in Samar by 
attracting more visitors to the province. The increased tourism would also create job 
opportunities and boost the local economy thereby benefiting the residents of 
Pagsanghan, Samar. Biringan City is also a health and wellness destination due to its 
natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. The city’s serene atmosphere is 
perfect for relaxation and meditation, making it an ideal destination for those seeking 
to improve their physical and mental well-being.  
The proposed bill will also place the Municipality of Pagsanghan in the tourism 
map of Eastern Visayas and the Philippines. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
July 8, 2025
6:05 pm
1609


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING THE ENCHANTED BIRINGAN CITY IN BRGY 
POBLACION, MUNICIPALITY OF PAGSANGHAN A HEALTH AND WELLNESS 
DESTINATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. - This act shall be known as “The Enchanted Biringan City 
Health And Wellness Destination Bill”. 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, 
participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local 
communities. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms 
and infrastructures for sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop 
certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having 
potential for tourism to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. The Enchanted City of Biringan as a Health and Wellness 
Destination. The Enchanted City of Biringan in Brgy. Poblacion, Municipality of 
Pagsanghan is hereby established as a health and wellness destination. Its 
1609


development shall be incorporated in the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) National 
Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) successor plan for 2023 – 2028 and be jointly 
implemented with the Municipality of Pagsanghan and the  Provincial Tourism Office 
of the Province of Samar. The DOT and the local government units concerned are 
responsible for the maintenance and preservation of Biringan City’s natural and 
cultural resources.  
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall 
include in its Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism 
Council, after due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other 
stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation 
of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take 
effect after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR. 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, and issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation. 
Approved,