Republic ofthe Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3270

Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF PARACALE IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES.
NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Camarines Norte has been identified in the Department of Tourism's National Tourism Masterplan as a
Tourism Development Area. This designation signals the importance to lay down measures whiich will
improve and enhance the tourism capabilities of the province to goals of the Masterplan.

Indeed Camarines Norte is still a vastly untapped tourism destination and surely, among the many towns
in Camarines Norte, the town of Paracale is definitely one of those that stands out with respect to
ecotourism potential.

Paracale is home to the Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria the oldest church in the Province
and probably the region and boasts of many pristine beaches at par with the best the Philippines has to
offer.

Pulang Daga Beach, Buhangin Beach, Gumaus Beach and Macolabo Island are some of the best places
in Camarines Norte to visit.
In light of the huge potential of the Municipality of Paracale to become a top tourist destination, it is hereby
‘sought that the Municipality of Paracale in the Province of Camarines Norte be declared as an Ecotourism
Zone. The passage of this bill wll surely create new jobs, improve the local livelihood and will be beneficial
for the domestic economy.

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

HON. Pes B. TALLADO
Representative

1‘ District, Camarines Norte


Republic ofthe Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.32.7 0

Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B, TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF PARACALE IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES
NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 4. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Paracale Ecotourism Act of 2025".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. it is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote a sustainable
and effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and foreign. Towards this end, the country
should rationalize all efforts to make the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for
‘economic development. Moreover, measures should be taken to ensure that tourism development would
‘be done with a view on the preservation of the existing ecosystem and natural environment,

SECTION 3. Paracale Ecotourism Zone. —The Municipality of Paracale in the Province of Camarines
Norte is hereby declared as an Ecotourism Zone. As such, its development shall be prioritized by the
Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned agencies, subject to the rules and regulations
governing the development of ecotourism zones.

In particular, the development of the following areas will be given focus by the DOT, the concerned
government agencies and also the Municipality of Paracale, Province of Camarines Norte, to wit:

a. Puland Daga Beach;
b. Buhangin Beach;

c, Gumaus Beach;

4. Macolabo Island; and

e, The immediate environs of the Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria

SECTION 4, Ecotourism Governing Board. — Within one (1) year from the approval ofthis Act, there shall
be created the Paracale Ecotourism Governing Board, to be composed of the following:

a. Mayor of the Municipality of Paracale, as ex-officio Chairperson

b. Secretary of the Department of Tourism or a duly-authorized representative, as member;

c. Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or a duly-authorized
representative, as member,


d. Representative of the 1 District of Camarines Norte or a duly-authorized representative, as
member,

e. Representative from an accredited non-governmental organization whose advocacy is
environmental preservation, as member;

f. Representative of the academe, as member; and

g. Representative from the business sector, as member.

The Board shall prepare the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act
and shall, when necessary, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet existing needs.

The Municipal Government of Paracale shall provide a secretariat for the Board including the funding
Necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its official functions and activities.

SECTION 5. Ecotourism Development Plan. - Within one (1) year from the approval ofthis Act, the DOT,
in coordination with the local goverment unit of Paracale, the Representative of the 1* District of
Camarines Norte and other concemed govemment agencies, shall prepare an ecotourism development
plan containing, among others, the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate
facilities and infrastructure that shall enhance tourism in the Municipality of Paracale, particularly in the
areas mentioned in Section 3 hereof; Provided, that the said development plan shall ensure the
preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality.

‘SECTION 6. Implementation of the Plan, The DOT shall take immediate steps in implementing the
ecotourism development plan and incorporate the same in its overall development plans and programs
for national implementation.

SECTION 7, Appropriations. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's program, the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shail be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act and intemally generated funds of the DOT.

‘SECTION 8, Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid,
the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other issuances
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

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

Approved.