Republic of the Philippines RECEIVED
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City, Metro Manila Fe OATE 2 6 AUG 2005
* TIMI

TWENTIETH CONGRESS = \@, 8Y
First Regular Session 4
No inne
HOUSE BILLNO._4027

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Situated in the northern tip of the Province of Romblon lies the breath-taking
municipal island of Banton, formerly known as “Jones” in honor of the US Senator William
Atkinson Jones.

The name “Banton” was derived from the word “batoon” which literally means stony
in the local dialect. Another theory suggested that said name might have come from “bantoy,”
local name for stone fish.

As it teems with natural wonders and amusing heritage, the island is a haven for
adventure junkies and history enthusiasts alike. Banton has a huge potential for tourism as
it has various beaches and islets, that will not definitely disappoint, namely:

Balogo Beach
Tambak Beach

Tabunan Beach and Fish sanctuary
End Beach

Rayhikan Beach

Suk-an Beach

Rangkayan Beach

Malabiga Beach

Punta Matagar

Macat-ang Beach

Tabunan Islet and

Gakut Island

ee ry

Campers and hikers would love to trek Mount Alimpuyo, see the sunset in Guinsiba
viewdeck, and pitch tents in Malamig and Pokanon campsites. Adventure seekers will also
love exploring the different cave systems namely: Guyangan, Silak, and Ipot.


For history lovers and researchers, the island is home for various heritage sites and
churches, to wit:

coer eco rcee

Onti Watch tower Ruins
Fuerza de San Jose

Kampanaryo

Panutsa Road

Ugat Faigao Museum

Bayay Hanrumanan / Museum
Fabella Ancestral House

Fabicon Ancestral House

Bangar Tree House

San Nicholas de Tolentino Church and
Rizal Park.

It was not tagged as the “Heritage Isle” for nothing. In 1944, Banton witnessed the
violent combat between the Japanese Imperial Navy and the American Naval Force,
historically known as the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea.

Lastly, one of the reasons to visit the island of Banton is its Sadawan Festival
celebrated annually during the first weeks of September to commemorate Saint Nicholas de
Tolentino. The feast is known for its parade of street dance.

As the island municipality positions itself as the next tourist destination in the region,
it needs support both from the national and local government in capacitating tourism
workers, building essential infrastructures, and promoting abovementioned destinations in
the local and international arena.

Thus, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

pa

ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4027

HOUSE BILL N¢

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BANTON, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON, AN
ECOTOURISM AND HERITAGE DESTINATION

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

SECTION 1. The Municipality of Banton, Province of Romblon, is hercby declared an
ecotourism and heritage destination. Pursuant thereto, its development shall be prioritized and
supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing
the development of ecotourism and heritage destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the Municipal Government of
Banton shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
and concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan that shall include
the construction, installation, and maintenance of such appropriate infrastructure and facilities to
enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation

and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the areas: Provided further, That the


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implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of the Municipal
Government of Banton.

SEC. 4. The DOT shall assist the Municipal Government of Banton in the implementation
of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It
shall also include the Municipality of Banton in its national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 5. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
budget of the Municipal Government of Banton.

The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), if
necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA’s program.

SEC. 6. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal Government
of Banton shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government,
promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 7. All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other issuances inconsistent
with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

‘Approved,