Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

nouse BitLNo.4 011

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
DECLARING DANAO LAKE LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF POLANGUI,
PROVINCE OF ALBAY, AN ECOTOURISM SITE, PROVIDING FOR ITS
CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, WITH SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR
THE SINARAPAN (MISTICHTHYS LUZONENSIS), AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Danao Lake, located in the Municipality of Polangui, Province of Albay, is a voleanic
crater lake that serves as a freshwater resource, cultural landmark, and natural sanctuary for
biodiversity in the Bicol Region.

The lake is ecologically significant as one of the natural habitats of the Sinarapan
(Mistichthys luzonensis), known as the world’s smallest commercially harvested fish. The
Sinarapan, endemic to the Bicol Region, has been historically important to local communities
both as a food source and as a symbol of regional identity. However, this species is now
classified as threatened due to habitat degradation, overfishing, and the introduction of invasive
species.

Despite its ecological and cultural importance, Danao Lake faces serious environmental
pressures — including unsustainable fishing, siltation from agricultural run-off, pollution, and
lack of a comprehensive management framework. Without urgent intervention, the habitat of
the Sinarapan and the ecological integrity of the lake will continue to decline.

National law and policy already support its protection. Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife
Resources Conservation and Protection Act) obliges the State to conserve threatened species
and their habitats. Republic Act No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code, as amended) requires
the conservation of municipal waters and the regulation of aquaculture and fishing methods.
Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009) and Executive Order No. 111 on the National
Ecotourism Strategy call for the promotion of community-based, sustainable tourism anchored
on environmental stewardship.


This bill therefore seeks to declare Danao Lake in Polangui, Albay as an ecotourism
site, with special conservation measures for the Sinarapan (Mistichthys Iuzonensis). It
mandates the Department of Tourism, in coordination with the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Provincial Government
of Albay, and the Municipal Government of Polangui, to prepare a Sustainable Ecotourism
and Conservation Management Plan for the lake. This plan shall include the establishment
of Sinarapan sanctuaries and hatchery programs, regulation of fishing and aquaculture
practices, improvement of water quality, construction of eco-friendly visitor facilities, and
livelihood programs for lakeside communities.

By declaring Danao Lake an ecotourism site and prioritizing the conservation of the
Sinarapan, this measure will secure the biodiversity of the lake, reinforce Polangui’s identity
as a steward of this unique species, and create sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism and
fisheries management.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RAYMOND ADRARN SALCEDA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4011

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
DECLARING DANAO LAKE LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF POLANGUI,
PROVINCE OF ALBAY, AN ECOTOURISM SITE, PROVIDING FOR ITS.
CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, WITH SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR
THE SINARAPAN (MISTICHTHYS LUZONENSIS), AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 “Danao Lake Ecotourism and
Sinarapan Conservation Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is declared the policy of the State to conserve
biodiversity, protect threatened species, and promote ecotourism as a tool for inclusive
economic growth and environmental stewardship. Towards this end, the State shall protect and
develop Danao Lake in Polangui, Albay as an ecotourism site, while giving priority to the
conservation of the Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis), recognized as the world’s smallest
commercially harvested fish and endemic to the Bicol Region.

SEC. 3. Ecotourism Site Declaration. The Danao Lake, located in the Municipality of
Polangui, Province of Albay, is hereby declared an ecotourism site, subject to the guidelines
prescribed in this Act.

SEC. 4. Development and Management. The Department of Tourism (DOT), in
coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Bureau
of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Provincial Government of Albay, and the
Municipal Government of Polangui, shall prepare and implement a Sustainable Ecotourism
and Conservation Management Plan for Danao Lake.

The plan shall include, but not be limited to:

(@) conservation and propagation measures for the Sinarapan (Mistichthys Iuzonensis),
including fish sanctuaries, hatchery programs, and regulated fishing practices;


(b) maintenance of water quality and rehabilitation of the lake watershed;

(©) establishment of eco-friendly visitor facilities such as boardwalks, viewing decks,
sanitation systems, and interpretive centers consistent with carrying capacity;

(@) regulation of aquaculture and other activities inconsistent with the conservation of
the lake; and

(©) creation of community-based livelihood and benefit-sharing programs for fisherfolk
and lakeside residents.

SEC. 5. Prohibited Acts. The following acts are prohibited within the Danao Lake
ecotourism area:

(a) dumping of solid or liquid waste, sewage, or industrial effluents;
(b) destructive fishing practices, including fine-mesh nets, dynamite or cyanide fishing;
(0) introduction of invasive or non-native species into the lake;

(d) unregulated aquaculture and construction of floating cages inconsistent with the
management plan; and

(©) quarrying, land conversion, or other extractive activities within the watershed that
degrade water quality.

Violators shall be penalized under Republic Act No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code,
as amended), Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act),
Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act), Republic Act No. 7586
(National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, as amended), and other applicable laws.

SEC. 6. Funding. The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act under the budget of the DOT, DENR, and BFAR. The
Provincial Government of Albay and the Municipal Government of Polangui shall allocate
counterpart funds. Ecotourism fees and grants may also be tapped to finance conservation and
livelihood programs.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DOT, DENR, BFAR, the Provincial Government of Albay, and the
Municipal Government of Polangui shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for
the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
invalid, the remaining provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent
with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


SEC. 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,