Republic of the Phili
HOUSE OF REPRI
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No, 9407

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Under the Regalian doctrine which is embodied in Section 2, Article XII of the
1987 Constitution, all lands of the public domain belong to the State, which is the
source of any asserted right to ownership of land. As an incident of ownership over
public lands, it is also the prime duty of the State therefore to promote and develop
these in order for them to reach their full use and potential.

Being an archipelago, the Philippines is gifted with an abundance of beaches
with incomparable beauty. Because of this and the persistent efforts of the State, the
country has gained acknowledgement as a major tourist destination in the world,
Throughout the century, beach attractions such as Boracay Beach in Aklan, El Nido in
Palawan, Puerto Galera in Mindoro etc., have become and continue to be an attraction.

However, these are not the only places to explore in the Philippines. The
plethora of wonderful beaches in the country remains undiscovered and untapped.
Examples of which are the virgin undiscovered beaches located in the casily
accessible municipality of Pio V. Corpuz, Province of Masbate:

Pio V. Corpuz offers a breathtaking experience with its vast islands filled with
fine white sand. One of these is Balangingi Island. This island is a 4.9 hectare track of
land declared as a marine sanctuary of Pio V. Corpuz. It boasts of small cottages
where tourists can stay a day or two to enjoy nature with fine white beach front and
beautiful corals suitable for swimming, snorkeling and diving. It is a 30 minute ride by
boat from the town proper of Pio V Corpuz. with affordable rates for boat hire and
inland facilities rentals.

Another attraction in Pio V. Corpuz is a unique boat making industry situated
in Barangay Bunducan. Most males in the locality construct boats from small to big
and deliver them to anywhere in the neighboring municipalities, provinces and regions
as well. These products (boats) are also being sold to Cebu, Samar, Leyte, mainland


Bicol, Boracay and to all other destinations where boats are necessary for
transportation and fishing.

‘These are just a few examples of the hidden treasures of Pio V. Corpuz. This
bill then seeks to jumpstart the development and promotion of the wonders of Pio V.
Corpuz. by declaring it as an eco-tourism zone. Through this, the recognition of its
hidden wonders shall be fast-tracked and the progress of the surrounding community
shall also be benefited without compromising the existing ecosystem. In view of the
State policy to promote and maximize tourism as a means for economic development,
carly approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D
epresentative
Third District, Province of Masbate



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 5407

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES 8, LANETE, M.D.

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF PIO V. CORPUZ IN THE
PROVINCE OF MASBATE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

ION 1. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote a sustainable and
effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and international. Towards this
end, the country shall rationalize all efforts pertaining to environmental protection and
making the industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for the generation of
employment. Henceforth, aggressive measures secking to restore the country’s share in the
Asian tourist market shall be consistent with the preservation of the existing ecosystem and
natural environment,

SEC. 2. Pursuant to Section 1 hereof, the Municipality of Pio V. Corpuz in the
Province of Masbate is hereby declared an ecotourism zone.

‘The board shall be composed of the FOLLOWING:

1. Representative of the 3" District of Masbate as Chairman,

2. the Secretary of the Department of Tourism OR HIS duly authorized
representative,

3. the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources OR HIS
duly authorized representative,

4. a member of a non-government organization whose advocacy is environmental
preservation,

5. amember of the academe,

6. a representative from the business sector, AND

7. the Local Chief Executive of the Municipality of Pio V. Corpuz.



‘The governing board shall prepare the rules and regulations necessary for the full
implementation by the local government unit of Pio V. Corpuz of the provisions of this Act
and shall, as the need arises, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet the
needs of changing times.

SEC. 4. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department
of Tourism shall, within 120 days from the approval of this Act, develop a master plan to be
approved by the President of the Republic of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the
governing board.

SEC. 5. The amount necessary to implement the provisions of this Act shall be
charged against the appropriations under the Annual General Appropriations Act and/or
against the internally generated funds of the Department of Tourism.

SEC. 6. If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the remaining part or provision not affected thereby shall remain in full
force and effect.

SEC. 7. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations and
other issuances or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,