Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _________
Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.
AN ACT
DECLARING MONA CAVE IN BARANGAY DANLAGAN BATIS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF GUINAYANGAN,
PROVINCE OF QUEZON AS ECO-TOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 16 of the Constitution provides that "The State shall protect and advance the
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature."
The Mona Cave is located in Sitio Siete, Barangay Danlagan Batis, Guinayangan, Quezon.
Danlagan Batis is located on the north eastern part of Guinayangan and is bounded by Danlagan
Reserva, Bukal Maligaya, and San Antonio. It is more or less 135 kilometers from Lucena City; 255
kilometers from Manila via South Luzon Expressway; and 15 kilometers from Guinayangan town proper.
The barangay is traversed by partly cemented farm to market road. From the roadside, the cave can be
accessed by a 15-minute trek through footpaths within farms and coconut plantations.
This bill seeks to declare the Mona Cave as eco-tourism site, which is hoped to help facilitate
the growth and promotion of tourism in Quezon and the CALABARZON. It will also ensure that the rich
biological diversity in the area is protected and preserved. Also, its growth as an eco-tourism
destination will significantly support the local economy by providing employment and trade
opportunities.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANGELINA “HELEN” D.L. TAN, M.D.
4th District, Quezon
August 31, 2021
4:16 pm
10116


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _________
Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.
AN ACT
DECLARING MONA CAVE IN BARANGAY DANLAGAN BATIS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF GUINAYANGAN,
PROVINCE OF QUEZON AS ECO-TOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Mona Cave Eco-Tourism Zone Act”.
SEC. 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 equitably beneficial to local communities.
SEC. 3. Mona Cave Eco-Tourism Zone. – The Mona Cave located in Barangay Danlagan Batis in
the Municipality of Guinayangan, Province of Quezon is hereby declared an eco-tourism zone. Its
development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules
and regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones.
The DOT shall prepare the development plan for the Mona Cave and shall incorporate the same
in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593,
otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009". The Plan shall be implemented jointly with the
Municipality of Guinayangan, the local Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), and the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Guinayangan, the PAMB, the TIEZA, and other
concerned agencies of government, shall identify well defined areas within the Mona Cave Eco-
Tourism Zone and ensure the integrated development of these areas for the optimum utilization of
natural assets and attractions, as well as the preservation of their historic significance.
SEC. 4. Appropriations. – The Secretary of Tourism shall include in the Department’s program
the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the Annual General
Appropriations Act.
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this
Act, the Secretary of Tourism, in consultation with the Municipality of Guinayangan, the PAMB and the
TIEZA, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.
10116


Approved,