Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Provincial Government of Samar embarked on an ambitious image building 
initiative in 2015 to spark the light on Samar, so to speak. Given Samar’s reputation 
of natural calamities, peace and order and economic disparity, the Spark Samar 
campaign was aimed at tourism and economic development for the province. The 
program ultimately evolved into the Spark Samar Development Agenda (SSDA). 
Tourism circuits were identified with the expansion of trails towards the First 
District of Samar with the Malajog Ridge to Reef Adventure Trail as its main priority 
area of development featuring its nature-based, cultural experience and delightful 
culinary tour circuit in the City of Calbayog. Malajog beach is one of the most popular 
tourism sites in the City of Calbayog because of its fine black sand. It is located about 
15 kilometers from the city proper, about 20 minutes travel time and is accessible to 
all types of land transport. 
The establishment of Malajog Ridge to Reef Adventure Trail as ecotourism site 
under this proposed bill will promote its potential for other tourism related activities and 
help complement the current uptick in tourism arrivals in the city as gateway of visitors 
from other regions. It will also support the sustainable tourism development initiatives 
under the Spark Samar Development Agenda. Ecotourism and sustainable 
development give focus on the triple bottom line (3P’s in Tourism) – People, Planet 
and Profit, a framework that is incorporated in the SSDA. 
The proposed bill will also place Calbayog City in the tourism map of Eastern 
Visayas and the Philippines. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
March 7, 2023
8:00am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING MALAJOG RIDGE TO REEF ADVENTURE TRAIL IN 
THE CITY OF CALBAYOG, PROVINCE OF SAMAR AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
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 “Malajog Ridge to 
Reef Adventure Trail Ecotourism Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, 
participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local 
communities. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms 
and infrastructures for sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop 
certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having 
potential for tourism to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. The Malajog Ridge to Reef Adventure Trail Ecotourism Site. 
The Malajog Ridge to Reef Adventure Trail in the City of Calbayog, Province of Samar 
is hereby established as an ecotourism site. Its development shall be incorporated in 
the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 
successor plan for 2023 – 2028 and be jointly implemented with the City of Calbayog 
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and Provincial Tourism Office of the Province of Samar. The construction and 
maintenance of infrastructure facilities in the area shall be a shared responsibility of 
the DOT and the local government unit with emphasis on sustainable development 
and resource management. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall 
include in its Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism 
Council, after due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other 
stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation 
of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take 
effect after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR. 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, and issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation. 
Approved,