Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.3868 _

Introduced by: HONORABLE ARNULF BRYAN “ARNIE” B. FUENTEBELLA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Quinalasag Group of Islands consisting of Quinalasag and Baticorao
Islands in the Municipality of Lagonoy, and the Lamit Group of Islands consisting of Binagasbasan,
Sumaoy, Bani, Sibanban, Piglocaban, Pighaluban and Monteverde Islands in the Municipality of
Garchitorena, all in the Province of Camarines Sur as ecotourism zones to be known as Lagonoy Ecotourism
Zone and Garchitorena Ecotourism Zone respectively.

‘The tourism industry in the Philippines has become an indispensable element of the
national economy. This must therefore be harnessed as an engine of socio-economic growth and
cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and create employment opportunities
for every Filipino. In the year 2018, employment in the tourism industry was estimated to reach
5.4 million or a 13.0 percent share of total employment in the country.

Our government therefore continues to promote the tourism industry by developing even
remote areas in the countryside if only to attract local and tourists to propel the growth and
development for local communities with tourism potentials.

The Fourth Legislative District of the Province of Camarines Sur consisting of the
Municipalities of Tigaon, Sagnay, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Tinambac, Presentacion, Caramoan,
Garchitorena and Siruma is endowed with great natural resources, scenic beauty, prestine sands
and beaches and other natural wonders of nature. It is sad to note, however, that among the areas
in the District, only the Municipality of Caramoan has become a favorite tourist destination due
mainly to the popularity of the World famous television series “Survivor”, which had been held
there numerous times already although there are other beautiful areas awaiting to be discovered,
tapped and protected.


The enactment of this bill into law will effectively fast-track the construction and
improvement of roads and bridges, and other infrastructure projects necessary to make the area
accessible to all, especially the tourists.

‘The paramount objective of this bill is to maintain these natural areas used as ecotourim
attractions with the attendant economic benefits to be generated for host communities and
authorities managing these areas for conservation and tourist attraction purposes.

In view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

F BRYAN “ARNIE” B. FUENTEBELLA
Representative
Fourth District, Camarines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL No. 3868

Introduced by: HONORABLE ARNULF BRYAN “ARNIE” B. FUENTEBELLA

AN ACT
DECLARING THE QUINALASAG GROUP OF ISLANDS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
GARCHITORENA, AND THE LAMIT GROUP OF ISLANDS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
LAGONOY, ALL IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR AS ECOTOURISM ZONES

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

SECTION 1. The Quinalasag Group of Islands consisting of Quinalasag and Baticorao Islands in
ity of Lagonoy, and the Lamit Group of Islands consisting of Binagasbasan, Sumaoy, Bani.
Sibanben, Piglocaban, Pighaluban and Monteverde Islands in the Municipality of Garchitorena, al in the
Provinee of Camarines Sur are hereby declared as ecotourism zones to be known as Lagonoy Ecotourism
‘Zone and Garchitorena Ecotourism Zone respectively.

SEC. 2. The coordinates (in WGS'84) of the areas covered by Lagonoy and Garchitorena
Ecotourim Zones are as follows:

1. Quinalasag Group of Islands in the Municipality of Lagonoy, which include the Quinalasag and
Baticorao Islands, to wit:

a. 14°00.0'N, 123°35.0E
b. 14°00.0'N, 123°41.0E
c.  13°S4.5°N, 123°41.0°E
d. 14°5.2'N, 123°35.0E

2. Lamit Group of Islands in the Municipality of Garchitorena, which include Binagasbasan, Sumaoy,
Bani, Sibanban, Piglocaban, Pighaluban ‘and Monteverde Islands, to wit:

a. 14°00.0'N. 123°30.0°E
b. 14°00.0'N, 123°35.0°E
cc. 13°56.0°N, 123°35.5E
d. 13°56.0°N, 123°30.0E


SEC. 4 Ecotourism Development Action Plan. - The Department of Tourism (DOT), in
coordination with Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Authority (TIEZA), Partido Development
‘Auiministration (PDA), Partido State University (PSU), and other concerned agencies of the government,
‘hall update and consolidate all existing tourism development plans forthe area and prepare an ecotourism
development action plan consistent with the national tourism master plan. The plan shal include the
ccustrection, development and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure to enhance the tourism sites:
‘Provided, That the interventions shall ensure biophysical conservation and cultural preservation inthe aca,
while providing sustainable economic opportunites forthe local communities.

SEC. 5. The DOT shall incorporate the ecotourism development action plan to the overall
Philippine National Tourism Development Plan pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as
the “Tourism Act of 2009” and take immediate steps to implement the ecotourism development action plan
and incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the ensuing calendar years.

‘The DOT and its concemed attached agencies shall also provide the necessary technical and
financial assistance for the development of tourism infrastructure and the conduct of skills development in
cimcemned local government units and their local communities while endeavoring, when practicable, 0
promote the tourism zones both domestically and internationally.

SEC. 6. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with PDA, and
the office of the district representative ofthe 4* district of Camarines Sur shall implement and fast-track
the construction and improvement of roads, bridges and other infrastructure necessary in the development
ofthe area and prioritize the same in its infrastructure program upon the effectivity ofthis Act.

‘The DOT, DPWH and Department of Transportation (DOTR) shall promote the progressive
development and aggressive spending in civil aviation, Jand and sea transportation infrastructures in the
area to improve accessibility and connectivity of tourist destinations.

SEC. 7, The DOT, PDA, PSU and concerned local goverment units shall organize a forum by
which the private sector, ongovernment organizations and other interest groups can interact with one
another and create an atmosphere that shall encourage investment and develop a culture of tourism.

SEC. 8. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in consultation with PDA,
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its proper implementation.

SEC. 9, This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication inthe Official Gazete or in
a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,