Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 832

Introduced by
REPRESENTATIVE LOREN B. LEGARDA

AN ACT

DECLARING THE NORTHERN ANTIQUE PROTECTED SEASCAPE AND
LANDSCAPE LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF LIBERTAD,
PANDAN, SEBASTE, CULASI AND TIBIAO IN THE PROVINCE OF
ANTIQUE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE TO ENCOURAGE THE RESPONSIBLE
AND SUSTAINABLE USE AS WELL AS FOR THE PRESERVATION AND
CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES FOUND THEREIN,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Northern Antique Protected Seascape and
Landscape located in the municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and
Tibiao in the province of Antique as a responsible, community-based ecotourism zone
with the goals of developing and promoting the areas into a community-based
ecological tourist destination, generating investments, creating livelihood
opportunities, and protecting the natural resources within the areas including
mangroves, other aquatic plant and migratory birds and local birds.

The vast seascapes and landscapes found in the municipalities mentioned
above serve as hosts to a rich marine life, as well as to the diverse species of flora
and fauna, some of which are endemic to the province.

Moreover, the Mag-aba Wetland, located in an estuary in the municipality of

Pandan, connects to the Pandan Bay, and to the Bugang River, which has been


recognized as one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines. The area is rich in
mangroves that serve as a natural flood control mechanism and is host to biologically-
rich ecological habitat. It is home to several endemic mangrove species, beach forest
trees and fauna, most notably of which is the Philippine duck (Anas luzonica) which
has been recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN) as a “vulnerable species”. Hence, the need to protect, preserve
and conserve these natural resources with the help primarily of the host local
‘communities.

In anticipation of the influx of local and foreign tourists, this bill, when enacted
into law, will help secure adequate national support for the local government units
(LGUs) to realize its vast potential as an eco-tourism zone that is ecologically
sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and
ethically and socially equitable for the local community.

In view of the above, support for the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly

sought.

LORI EGARDA


Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 832

introaucea by
REPRESENTATIVE LOREN B. LEGARDA

AN ACT

DECLARING THE NORTHERN ANTIQUE PROTECTED SEASCAPE AND
LANDSCAPE LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF LIBERTAD,
PANDAN, SEBASTE, CULASI AND TIBIAO IN THE PROVINCE OF
ANTIQUE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE TO ENCOURAGE THE RESPONSIBLE
AND SUSTAINABLE USE AS WELL AS FOR THE PRESERVATION AND
CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES FOUND THEREIN,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 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 “Northern Antique
Protected Seascape and Landscape Act of 2019"

‘SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State is mandated to promote a tourism
industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative,
culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for the local community.
Towards this end, the Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape
(NAPSL) is hereby declared as a special ecotourism zone, where the
responsible and sustainable use of the natural resources therein is encouraged
and will be strictly implemented.

SEC. 3. Objectives. - Pursuant to the above declaration of policy, the State
shall endeavor to accomplish the following:

(a) Develop and promote responsible, community-based ecological tourism

as the core management strategy in the development of the NAPSL;


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(b)

(©)

(d)

(e)

7)

Ensure the conservation of the biodiversity and the preservation of the
‘said ecotourism site;

Develop ecotourism products and programs that will generate employment
and livelihood for the local residents concerned, consistent with the
preservation and maintenance of the natural resources;

Guarantee that the financial and economic benefits of the tourism industry
are equitably shared by, and distributed among the local residents
concerned by giving preference and support to community and home-based
tourism enterprises, such as, but not limited to, resorts and homestays, micro
and small businesses including restaurants, food and fruit stands, and other
similar tourism-oriented industries and businesses;

Ensure that the quality of local ecotourism programs and activities are
educational and enriching for tourists and visitors through the provision of
orientation, educational and tour programs by local tour operators, non-
government organizations (NGOs), the concerned Local Government Units
(LGUs), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
and the Department of Tourism (DOT); and,

Guarantee that in the development and promotion of the local tourism
industry, the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) shall ensure that
the needs of the local residents for adequate water supply, food, energy ,

transportation and local construction materials are first secured and met.

‘SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:

(a)

Buffer Zone refers to an identified area outside the boundaries of and
immediately adjacent to the NAPSL that need special development control

in order to avoid or minimize any threat or harm to the NAPSL;


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(b) Community-Based Ecotourism refers to a form of tourism where the local
community and its residents have substantial control and involvement in
the development and management of the local tourism industry and a
greater portion of the economic gains remain within the community;

(c) Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism within a natural area
where community participation, protection and management of natural
resources, cultural and indigenous knowledge and practices,
environmental education and ethics, as well as economic benefits are
fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and the
‘Satisfaction of the visitors; and,

(d)

Responsible Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism in which
both the tourism sector and the tourists take responsibility in the protection,
respect, and conservation of the natural environment and the local culture
and ways of life, and where community participation as well as benefits are
fostered and pursued for the well-being of the local people and visitors.

SEC. 5. Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape. — The
Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape (NAPSL) located at the
municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao in the Province
of Antique is hereby declared as a responsible, community-based ecotourism zone. It
shall be accorded priority development by the DOT, DENR, Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH), and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of ecotourism zones provided in the national ecotourism strategy jointly
issued by the DENR and DOT.

SEC. 6. Scope and Coverage. - The NAPSL, which shall cover an area of

364,453.5395 hectares, shall be composed of the following:


a
1 a) The wetland area located in Brgy. Mag-aba, Pandan, Antique composed of

2 mangrove forest and estuarine river ecosystem with an area of 21,095
3 hectares, located in Brgy. Mag-aba, Pandan Antique;

4 b) The seas, islet and sandbar ecosystem covering the municipalities of
5 Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao with an area of 213,556.26
6 hectares; and,

7 c) The Pandan Bay with an area of 150,876.25 hectares.

8 The corresponding boundaries shall be as follows:

9 A. The wetland area
10 Beginning at point marked TP - 1, being N 81° 21’ W, 27,787.09 meters from
1 reference BLLM 1, PLS 1107, Northern Antique Protected Seascape and
12 Landscape;
13 thence $75°30'E 3,242.00 meters to corner 2;
14 thence N 81° 34°E 3,723.95 meters to corner 3
15 thence $88°11'E 4,292.00 _ meters to comer 4
16 thence $70°26E 7,759.31 meters to corner 5
7 thence $83°19'E 3,489.57 _ meters to comer 6
18 thence N 78° 36'E 2,873.78 meters to comer 7
19 thence $40°19'E 4,925.65 meters to corner 8
20 thence S05°55'W 14,342.35 meters to corner 9
a thence $ 12° 57'W 4,208.77 meters to corner 10
2 thence S$ 20° 40'W 8,176.30 meters to corner 11
23 thence S$ 26° 28'E 2,100.83 meters to corner 12
24 thence $15°07'W 3,828.16 meters to corner 13

25 thence $14°11'E 4,552.10 meters to corner 14


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thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence

thence

to the point of beginning containing an area of two hundred ninety-nine thousand

nine hundred forty two and 542/100 (299,942.542) hectares, more or less.

Beginning at point marked TP - 1, being S 86° 08' W, 33,925.26 meters from

reference BLLM 1, PLS 1107, Northern Antique Protected Seascape and

Landscape;

$07°49'W 2,472.18
N 89° 51° W 17,369.06
S 19° 13’ W 3,169.16
S$ 47° 56'W 18,926.52
S$ 61° 51'W 6,834.81
S 88° 08'W 6,837.37
N 65° 37'W 6,817.66
N 40° 46'W 6,141.86
N 16° 52’ W 6,841.57
N 09° 23'E 6,833.87
N03°19'E 32,126.72
N31°53'E 4,886.87
N 50° 38'E 3,792.90
N66°15'E 6.070.27

N 83° 30°'E 20,309.49

.. Seas, Islets and Sandbar Ecosystem

S 44° 36'W 14,735.43
$30°12'E 1,957.43
S57°20°'E 24,725.84
N81°2S'E 4,111.89

$52°51'E 11,911.68

meters to corner 15
meters to corner 16
meters to corner 17
meters to corner 18
meters to corner 19
meters to corner 20
meters to corner 21
meters to corner 22
meters to corner 23
meters to corner 24
meters to corner 25
meters to corner 26
meters to corner 27
meters to corner 28

meters to corner 1.

meters to corner 2;
meters to corner 3;
meters to comer 4;
meters to corner 5;

meters to corner 6;


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thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence
thence

thence

to the point of beginning containing an area of one hundred eighty-six thousand

N 84° 22°E
S141 E
$07°49°W
N 89° 51° W
$19°13°W
S$ 47° 56°W

S$61°51'W

3,904.27
4,552.10
2,472.18
17,369.06
3,169.16
18,926.52

6,834.81

S 88° 08' W 6,837.37

N 65° 37°W
N 35° 22° W
N 19° 42°
N 09° 23° E
N 03° 19°E
N31°53'E
N 50° 38'E
N66°15'E
N88°45'E

S62°17°E

6,817.66

6,930.04

W 5,891.75

6,833.87
32,126.72
4,886.87
3,792.90
6,070.27
5,636.26

9,225.27

meters to comer 7;

meters to corner 8;

meters to corner 9;

meters to comer 10;
meters to comer 11;
meters to comer 12;
meters to comer 13;
meters to comer 14;
meters to corner 15;
meters to corner 16;
meters to corner 17;
meters to comer 18;
meters to corner 19;
meters to comer 20;
meters to corner 21;
meters to comer 22;
meters to comer 23;

meters to comer 1.

forty two hundred and 676/100 (186,042.676) hectares, more or less.

. Pandan Bay
Beginning at point marked TP - 1, being N 81° 21° W, 27,787.09 meters from

reference BLLM 1, PLS 1107, Northern Antique Protected Seascape and

Landscape;
thence

thence

$75°30'E 3,242.00 meters to corner 2;

N81°34°E 3,723.95 meters to corner 3;


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thence $88°11'E 4,292.00 meters to corner 4;

thence $70°26°E 7,759.31 meters to corner 5;
thence $83°19'E 3,489.57 meters to corner 6;
thence N 78° 36'E 2,873.78 meters to corner 7;
thence S$40°19'E 4,925.65 meters to corner 8;
thence $05°55'W 14,342.35 meters to corner 9;
thence $ 12° 57'W 4,208.77 meters to corner 10;
thence S$ 20° 40'W 8,176.30 meters to corner 11;
thence S$ 26° 28'E 2,100.83 meters to corner 12;
thence 15° 07'W 3,828.16 meters to corner 13;
thence S 84° 22'W 3,904.27 meters to corner 14;
thence N 52° 51°W 11,911.68 meters to corner 15;
thence $ 81° 25'W 4,111.89 meters to corner 16;
thence N 57° 20'W 24,725.84 meters to corner 17;
thence N 30° 12'W 1,957.43 meters to corner 18;
thence N 44° 36'E 23,817.36 — meters to corner 1.

to the point of beginning containing an area of one hundred nine thousand sixty
seven hundred and 405/100 (109,067.405) hectares, more or less.

The metes and bounds of NAPSL shall be indicated on maps and/or nautical
charts. Any modification of the coverage of this Act due to such factors as changing
ecological situation, new scientific or archaeological findings, or discovery of traditional
boundaries not previously taken into account shall be made through an act of

Congress, after consultation with the concerned government agencies.

SEC. 7. Establishment of a Buffer Zone. — There shall also be established buffer
zones surrounding the NAPSL for the purpose of providing extra protection around the

area, where restrictions shall apply and communities can assist in repealing threats to


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the NAPSL. Such buffer zones shall be managed according to the ecotourism and

management plan formulated pursuant to this Act.

Such buffer zone shall be included in the ecotourism development and
management plan of the NASPL: Provided, that no build up or reclamation detrimental
to the diversity in the NASPL shall be done within the designated buffer zone. The

Council shall exercise its authority over the designated buffer zone.

SEC. 8. Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape Ecotourism
Development and Management Plan. ~The DENR and the DOT, in coordination with
the DPWH and TIEZA, shall jointly assist the Northern Antique Protected Seascape
and Landscape Development Council, herein created, in the formulation of the
ecotourism development and management plan for the NAPSL that shall be
complemented by a set of guidelines for a responsible, community-based ecotourism.
The tourism development and management plan shall ensure the preservation of the
seascapes and landscapes and shall include the following components:

(a) Carrying capacity of the seascapes and landscapes and its endemic and
migratory birds species;

(b) Specific site assessment, including terrestrial, underwater (biotic and
abiotic), oceanographic and other scientific site assessment;

(c) Identification of strategic priorities;

(d) Product development for local income generation;

(e) Capacity building for the local community to allow residents therein to ably
manage economically viable and responsible, community-based
ecotourism business enterprises;

(f) Support for the formulation of local groups and networks, including the

marketing and pricing of products;


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(g) Marketing strategies that reflect the natural, social and avonrenta

integrity of the NAPSL;

(h) Regular water quality monitoring of the seascapes;

(i) Management and maintenance of the mangrove areas; and

() Proper solid waste management in accordance with Republic Act No. 9003,

or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act; and,

(k) Proper use, protection, preservation and revival of water resources and

implementation of a proper sewerage system in accordance with Republic
‘Act No. 9275, or the Clean Water Act;

The process of developing the ecotourism development and management plan
for the NAPSL shall be participatory, from the bottom up, with the framework to be
provided by the DOT and DENR in consultation with the Northern Antique Protected
Seascape and Landscape Protected Area Management Board herein created.

In order to protect the mangroves and forest in NAPSL, the foreshore areas
shall not be leased to any private entity; Provided, that Special Agreements on
Protected Area (SAPA) may be availed upon Protected Area and Management Board
(PAMB) Clearance.

SEC. 9. Formation of the Northern Antique Protected Seascape and
Landscape Protected Area Management Board. - A multi-sectoral board to be
known as the “Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape Protected Area
Management Board’, hereinafter referred to as the Board, shall be created. It shall be
composed of the following members:

(a) The Mayors of the municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi and

Tibiao shall take turns serving as Chairperson;
(b) The heads of the Municipal Tourism Offices of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste,

Culasi and Tibiao shall take turns serving as Vice-chairpersons;


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()

(a)

e)

(f)

(g)
(h)

10)
@
(k)
0)

(m)

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The heads of the Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources Office

of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi and Tibiao shall likewise take tums
serving as member,

The Association of Barangay Chairmen (ABC) Presidents of the
barangays of the municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi and
Tibiao shall also serve altemately;

The Chairmen of the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Management Councils of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi and Tibiao
shall also serve alternately;

Provided, That representatives from the LGUs as indicated in sub-
sections (a), (b), (c), (4) and (e) above, coming from the same
municipality, shall all together serve for the same time period;

The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Officer
of the Province of Antique;

The Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB);

The Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority (TIEZA);

The Regional Director of DOT-Region 6;

The Regional Director of DENR-Region 6;

The Regional Director of DPWH-Region 6;

The DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer
(PENRO) of Antique;

One representative from an academic institution, preferably from a state
university or college in the Province of Antique, with proven track record

in or related to protected seascapes and landscapes management;


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(n) One representative from the private sector, a resident of the Province of

Antique, who is distinguished in a profession or field of interest relevant
to protected seascapes and landscapes management; and,

(0) One representative from either a non-government organization (NGO) or
People’s Organization (PO), duly accredited both by the DENR and the
provincial government of Antique. The NGO or PO represented should
have been in existence for at least five (5) years with a proven track
record in or related to seascapes and landscapes management.

The ex-officio members of the Board by virtue of their elective or appointive
government positions as specified in the immediately preceding subsections (a), (b),
(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), @), (k), and (1) shall serve for the duration of their respective
terms of office in their respective elective or appointive government positions.

The members of the Board specified under subsections (m), (n), and (0) of this
section shall be elected by the ex-officio members of the Board in a transparent and
fair selection process. They shall each serve a term of three (3) years and may be
reappointed for another term.

The members of the Board shall serve without compensation, except for the
actual and necessary travelling and subsistence expenses incurred in the
performance of their duties, either in their attendance in meetings of the Board or in
connection with other official business authorized through a resolution of the Board,
subject to existing rules and regulations. Each member shall have the full capacity
and accountability for decisions binding to the member's sector.

The members of the Board duly elected or appointed prior to the effectivity of
this Act shall continue their term until the expiration of their term or appointment.
Thereafter, members of the Board shall be appointed in accordance with the

provisions of this Act.


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A member of the Board may be removed for any of the following grounds:

(a)More than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular
meetings of the Board;
(b) Commission of acts prejudicial to the development and management of
NAPSL as embodied in existing rules and regulations governing NAPSL;
(c) Disassociation from the office or organization being represented;
(d) Termination of relationship with the office or organization being
represented; or
(e) Conviction by final judgment of any criminal act.
The local government of the Province of Antique shall provide a secretariat for
the Board including the funding necessary to cover the expenses for the performance

of its official functions and activities.

SEC. 10. Functions and Responsibilities of the PAMB Council. - The PAMB
Council shall be responsible for the following:

(a) Formulation and the implementation of the ecotourism development and
management plan in consultation with the local residents, businesses,
and other stakeholders;

(b) Assessment and evaluation of the potential impact of the development to
the environmental safety and well-being of the seascapes and
landscapes, communities, and enterprises;

(c) Provision of technical and financial assistance to the communities within
the seascapes and landscapes;

(d) Implementation of a monitoring plan for the water birds and their habitats to
ensure their presence and well-being in NAPSL;

(e) Formulation of the rules and regulations in relation to the maintenance

and security of the ecotourism areas; and


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(f) Performance of other functions as may be necessary to carry out the

objectives of this Act.

SEC. 11. Formulation of Guidelines and Standards. ~ The DENR and DOT
shall assist the PAMB Council in the formulation of local ecotourism standards ensuring
that environmental protection is integrated in the development and management of the
ecotourism plans.

The guidelines and standards shall:

(a) Raise the capacity of all stakeholders and ensure that best practices are
followed;

(b) Ensure optimal use of water and energy;

(c) Reduce waste and pollution through the encouragement of recycling and
other environmentally-sound waste management reduction and disposal
schemes;

(d) Prevent vandalism in the facilities of the eco-park; and

(e)Encourage the use of local produce and services, and support the
employment of local people.

SEC. 12. Coordination with National Agencies. - The DENR and the DOT
shall closely coordinate with the Council, as well as the relevant regional offices of
the DPWH, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of
Transportation (DOTr), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of
Education (DepEd), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of
the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police
(PNP), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and other line agencies of the

government in the implementation of this Act.


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in thirty (30) days

SEC. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. —
from the effectivity of this Act, the DENR and the DOT, in consultation
with the Council, other concerned government agencies, and stakeholders,
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper and
effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 14. Appropriations. — The Secretaries of the DENR, DOT, and DPWH
and the Chief Operating Officer of TIEZA shall include in their subsidy
programs, support for the capital outlay requirements of the NAPSL for
the preliminary implementation of this Act and enhancement of the facilities of
the ecotourism zone which shall be taken from the budget of their
respective agencies for the current fiscal year.

The budgetary allocations for the succeeding years shall be included in
the General Appropriations Act, subject to government audit.

SEC. 15. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any provision of
this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof
which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 16. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamation and administrative regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent
herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 17. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation or in the

Official Gazette.

Approved,