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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Seer

8604

House Bill No, 0 -

Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF CAPALONGA IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES
NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Province of Camarines Norte in the Bicol Region is included in the National Tourism
Masterplan as a Tourism Development Area. Among the many towns in Camarines Norte, the
municipality of Capalonga in the 1 Legislative District is one of those that stands out with respect to
ecotourism potential.

Capalonga is famous for many tourist attractions, world-class beaches and a renowned
pilgrimage site, specifically the Shrine of the Black Nazarene, which draws thousands of pilgrims of
different nationalities every May 13%.

Pulong Guijaniao in Camagsaan is, in fact, situated in this municipality and it never failed to
‘amaze people with is white beach, Selfie Beach Resor, Tinagong Beach together with its Bal-inspired
attractions, Sabang Beach and Lom-oc beach are also among the top notch destinations. There are also
myriad of waterfalls lke the Banca-banca, Banokbok and Itok Falls that are at par withthe best falls in
the country The town also boasts ofits Sabong-sabong Reef and Dive Site that is stil a hidden gem
among dive enthusiasts. These are just some of the examples of the endless tourist destination in the
area.

Inlight ofthe huge potential ofthe Municipality of Capalonga to become a top tourist destination,
itis hereby sought that the Municipality of Capalonga in the Province of Camarines Norie be declared as
an Eootourism Zone. This dectaration would indubitably create new jobs, improve the local livelihood and
vill be beneficial for the domestic economy.

In view of the

the passage of ths billis eamesly sought.

or
HON. Au B. TALLADO

Representative
‘1 District, Camarines Norte



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Reguiar Session

House Bill No.8654

Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF CAPALONGA IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES

NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFO!

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Capalonga Ecotourism Act of 2021”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote a
sustainable and effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and foreign. Towards this end,
the country should rationalize all efforts to make the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an
avenue for economic development. Moreover, measures should be taken to ensure that tourism
development would be done with a view on the preservation of the existing ecosystem and natural
environment.

SECTION 3. Capalonga Ecotourism Zone. -The Municipality of Capalonga in the Province of
‘Camarines Norte is hereby declared as an Ecotourism Zone. As such, its development shall be prioritized
by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned agencies, subject to the rules and regulations
governing the development of ecotourism zones.

In particular, the development of the following areas will be given focus by the DOT, the
concemed government agencies and also the Municipality of Capalonga, Province of Camarines Norte,

to wit:

sere agge

Pulong Guijanlao;

The immediate environs of the Selfie Beach Resort and Tinagong Beach Resort;
Capalonga Lighthouse;

Sabang Beach;

Lom-oc Beach,

Banca-banca Falls, Banokbok Falls and Itok Falls;

‘Sabong-sabong Reef and Dive Site;

| Alayao River, Camagsaan River and Mataque River, and


i. The immediate environs of the Shrine of the Black Nazarene.

SECTION 4. Ecotourism Governing Board. - Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act,
there shall be created the Capalonga Ecotourism Governing Board, to be composed of the following:

a. Mayor of the Municipality of Capaionga, as ex-officio Chairperson

b. Secretary of the Department of Tourism or a duly-authorized representative, as member,

c. Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or a duly-authorized
representative, as member,

d. Representative of the 1* District of Camarines Norte or a duly-authorized representative, as
member,

e. Representative from an accredited non-govemmental organization whose advocacy is
environmental preservation, as member;

f. Representative of the academe, as member; and

g. Representative from the business sector, as member.

The Board shall prepare the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of
this Act and shall, when necessary, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet existing
needs.

The Municipal Government of Capalonga shall provide a secretariat for the Board including the
funding necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its official functions and activities.

SECTION 5. Ecotourism Development Plan. - Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act,
the DOT, in coordination with the local government unit of Capalonga, the Representative of the 1%
District of Camarines Norte and other concerned goverment agencies, shall prepare an ecotourism
development plan containing, among others, the construction, installation and maintenance of such
appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall enhance tourism in the Municipality of Capalonga,
particularly in the areas mentioned in Section 3 hereof; Provided, that the said development plan shall
ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality.

SECTION 6. impiementation of the Pian. The DOT shail take immediate steps in implementing
the ecotourism development plan and incorporate the same in its overall development plans and
programs for national implementation.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's
program, the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional
or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other
issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions ofthis Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.