Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative TEODORICO “NONONG” T. HARESCO, JR. 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING AN INTERNATIONAL CRUISE SHIP PORT AND 
APPROPRIATE FACILITIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF NABAS, 
PROVINCE OF AKLAN, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act No. 9593 otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009” affirms the 
country’s commitment to promoting tourism. Section 2 of RA 9593 declares that tourism is 
“indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national interest and 
importance, which must be harnessed as an engine of socio-economic growth and cultural 
affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and employment, and to continue to mold 
an enhanced sense of national pride for all Filipinos.” 
The country is blessed with natural wonders, such as pristine beaches, stunning coral 
reefs, and diverse marine life, making it an attractive destination for tourists, particularly those 
who are looking for unique experiences such as island hopping and scuba diving. Cruise ships 
offer a convenient way to explore these attractions while providing passengers with luxury 
accommodations and amenities. 
Currently, the Philippines has several ports that accommodate cruise ships, including 
the Manila South Harbor, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and the Port of Puerto Princesa in Palawan. 
Amidst the very few cruise ship ports in the country in contrast with its rich natural coastal 
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resources, there are now opportunities for the Western Visayas region to accommodate the 
increasing number of cruise ships visiting the country. 
 
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has identified the Municipality of Nabas as a 
strategic location for a premier international cruise ship terminal. The cruise from Nabas can 
sail through different tourism lures such as Boracay Island, Leganes in Iloilo, Bantayan Island 
in Cebu and Bohol. 
 
This bill seeks to establish an international cruise ship port and construct appropriate 
facilities in the Municipality of Nabas, Province of Aklan. Having an international cruise ship 
port in a strategic location like Nabas will provide tourists with easy access to these attractions, 
which will contribute to the growth of the local tourism industry, generate employment 
opportunities for the residents, and support the economic development of the country. 
 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
TEODORICO T. HARESCO, JR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative TEODORICO “NONONG” T. HARESCO, JR. 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING AN INTERNATIONAL CRUISE SHIP PORT AND 
APPROPRIATE FACILITIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF NABAS, 
PROVINCE OF AKLAN, 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 “Nabas International Cruise Ship 
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Port Act." 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to foster and promote 
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economic development and sustainable tourism throughout the country. Being one of the 
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country’s leading destinations when it comes to tourism, Aklan shall be accorded priority 
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development by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Philippine Ports Authority 
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(PPA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone 
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Authority (TIEZA), and other concerned agencies. 
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SECTION 3. Construction, Installation, and Maintenance of Infrastructure and Facilities. 
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– The PPA, the DOT, in coordination with the TIEZA and other concerned government
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agencies, shall give construction priority to Nabas International Cruise Ship Port project for its 
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immediate completion. It shall enhance the project’s current master plan including the plans 
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and designs for the accompanying infrastructure and facilities to cater to new generation of 
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wide-bodied, state-of-the-art luxury cruise ships and to enhance the cruise-ship industry in the 
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province of Aklan. 
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SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOT, in consultation with other 
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concerned government agencies, local government unit, and other stakeholders, shall formulate 
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the implementing rules and regulations of this Act within ninety (90) days after its approval. 
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SECTION 5. Appropriations. - The PPA and the DOT shall include in their respective 
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agency’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in 
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their respective annual budgets.  
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SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional 
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or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.  
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SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, 
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letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with 
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the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 8. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
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the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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