pate: _ QSL

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |)

USE 9F REPRESENTATIVES
RECEIVED

2016

Quezon City
REGISTRO NIT
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE
First Regular Session Se

House Bill No. 1063

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE,

Unknown to many but are exponentially gaining attention, Porta Vega Beach is a haven, both
among (ourists and locals, and is full of economic potential, Situated in Barangay Cadulan,
Municipality of Dimasalang in the Province of Masbate, the Porta Vega Beach is relatively
easy to reach and is naturally gifted with a wide stretch of fine, powdery white sand, a green
landscape lined with short Coconut and Talisay trees, crystal clear waiers shallow enough to
reveal the marine life underneath, and most of all, extremely warm-weleoming people

Despite the fact that it can compete with popular beach destinations. this natural treasure
remain underdeveloped. The slow progress in the area can be traced 10 non-e\istent attention
coming from the national government

Considering that it is a policy of the State to undertake the sustainable development of the
environment simultaneously with the right of the people to a healthy and balanced ecology, it
is imperative that the national government provide the needed care and attention 10 Porta
Vega Beach, In order to achieve these goals, Porta Vega Beach should be declared as an
ecotourism spot wherein an ecotourism council will be established to steer the area to fame
and progress while maintaining the sanctity of its natural resources. Hence. the passage of
this bill is urgently sought.

SCOTT DAV!
‘epresentative
Third District, Province of Masbate

 LANETE, M.D,


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

No, 1063

House

‘Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES

AN ACT DECLARING THE PORTA VEGA BEACH AND ITS PREMISES AS AN
ECOTOURISM SITE, ESTABLISHING THE PORTA VEGA ECOTOURISM
COUNCIL, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congres
assembled.

Section I. Short Title. This Act shall be known as “Porta Vega Ecotourism Act.”

See. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure the right
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology through the promotion of activities
designed for environmental protection and conservation.

See. 3. The Porta Vega Ecotourism Council. There is hereby created an ecotourism council,
lo be known as the Porta Vega Ecotourism Council, hereinafter known as the Council to be
composed of one representative each from accredited non-government organizations and
people's organizations engaged in ecotourism, one recognized indigenous people's
federation, reputable travel organizations, the academe, and the local chief executive of the
Municipality of Dimasalang who shall sit as the chairman of the Council

Dimasalang’s local legislative body shall appoint the members of the Council for a term of
five (5) years, renewable for one term,

The Department of Tourism and Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall
assist the Council in its task of pursuing the objectives of this Act

Sec. 5. Functions and Responsibilities of the Council. The Council shall be responsible for
the following

a. Study, adopt, and from time to time update an Ecotourism Masier plan and
supervise the implementation of the corresponding programs anid activities
therein;

4. Assess and evaluate the potential impact of development to the environmental
safety and well-being of the site;


¢ Conduct consultations with the local residents of the site to be affected by
ecotourism development to assimilate their cultural values and beliefS in the
‘master plan and other programs;

d_ Provide technical and financial assistance to communities in the site;

¢, Formulate rules and regulations which shall prohibit illegal fishing and
related activities;

Jf Perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the objectives
of this Act.

ec. 6. Keotourism Fund. To carry out the purposes of this Act, there shall be created a
special fund called the Porta Vega Ecotourism Fund, which shall be sourced from the
environmental fee, which shall be collected by the Council from all visiting tourists.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. ~ f any part or provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions, which are not affected thereby. shall continue to
be in full force and effect.

See. 8. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly

Sec. 9. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,