Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Seventeenth Congress
Second Regular ion

House Bill No, 42'23

Introduced by Honorable Gil P. Acosta, Honorable Frede!
Honorable Franz Josef George E. Alvarez,

Kk F. Abueg, and

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill declares the province of Palawan as the ecological tourism
capital of the Philippines with the corresponding government support and grant
of autonomy.

Section 16, Article IT of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that
the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The right
to a balanced and healthful ecology as enunciated in the landmark case of Oposa
vs. Factoran carries with it the correlative duty to refrain from impairing the
environment,

Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism within a natural and
cultural heritage area where community participation, protection, and
management of natural resources, cultural, indigenous knowledge and
ices, environmental education, and ethics as well as economic benefits are
and pursued for the enrichment of the host communities and the
satisfaction of tourists.

Palawan is the biggest province in the Philippines and is composed of
1,768 islands and islets. An exotic paradise in South East Asia, Palawan has
been voted the world’s best island for the second time in a row. With crystal
clear blue waters, sandy shores and a phenomenal underwater river, the idyllic
Palawan archipelago easily claimed the top spot in Travel & Leisure magazine's


awards. This is th

cond time this publication has lauded Palawan, Conde
Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler have also given the island
similar awards.

Palawan is considered the Philippines’ “Last Frontier.” Ecology
awareness is at a high level throughout the province. Puerto Princesa City being
the capital considers its critical role as a “steward of biodiverse resources and
as the active promoter of the balance of its total ecology.”

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.

Vet

GIL Pf ACOSTA

3® District of Palawan

FREDERICK FSABUEG FRANZ Le 3B E, ALVAREZ

2™ Didtrict of Palawan 1% District of Palawan



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

eventeenth Congress
Second Regular Session

Q
HOUSE BILL NO 4273

Introduced by Honorable Gil P. Acosta, Honorable
Frederick F, Abueg, and Honorable Franz Josef
George F, Alvarez

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AS THE
ECOLOGICAL TOURISM CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES AND
OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. TITLE. - This Act shall be known as “An Act Declaring
the Province of Palawan as the Ecological Tourism Capital of the
Philippines,”

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. - It is hereby declared
the policy of the State to promote a viable tourism industry. Towards this end,
the country shall rationalize all efforts pertaining to environmental protection
and making the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for
the generation of employment. Henceforth, aggressive measures seeking to


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restore the country’s share in the Asian tourist market shall be consistent with
the preservation of the existing ecosystem and natural environment.

SECTION 3. - ECOLOGICAL TOURISM CAPITAL OF THE
PHILIPPINES. - Pursuant to public policy, the Province of Palawan including
the city of Puerto Princesa is hereby declared an eco-tourism zone and shall be
called the Eco-Tourism Capital of the Philippines,

SECTION 4. CREATION OF AN ECO-TOURISM OFFICE. -
Within a year from the approval of this Act, there shall be created an Eco-
Tourism Office.

SECTION 5. ECO-TOURISM BOARD. - The eco-tourism office
shall be administered by the Eco-Tourism Board composed of members. The
following members shall serve ex officio:

(1) The Governor of the Province of Palawan;

(2) The Representative from the First District of Palawan;
(3) The Representative from the Second District of Palawan;
(4) The Representative from the Third District of Palawan;

(5) A. representative from the Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development (PCSD);

(6) The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR);

(7) The Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT);

(8) A representative from the private sector, to be appointed by the
Provincial Governor with the concurrence of the Board;


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(9) A representative from the non-governmental organization, to be
appointed by the Provincial Governor with the concurrence of the
Board:

(10) The Mayor of Puerto Princesa City;

(11) The President of the League of Municipalities of Palawan;

(12) The President of Liga ng mga Barangay;

(13) A representative from the Palawan Provincial Board.

The Eco-Tourism Board shall be co-chaired by the Representatives of the
legislative districts of the province and the Governor of Palawan

ION 5. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS, -
The PCSD, DENR, and DOT shall prepare an eco-tourism master plan and
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to be approved by the President
of the Philippines upon recommendation of the board.

SECTION 6. APPROPRIATION. - The amount necessary to carry out
the provisions of this Act shall be taken from the current appropriation of PCSD
and shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following
its enactment into law and thereafier,

SECTION 7. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. - If any provision of this
Act shall be held unconstitutional, any other provision not otherwise affected
shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 8. REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, decrees,
ordinances, rules, and regulations, executive or administrative orders, and other
presidential issuances inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended
or modified accordingly.


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SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY. - This Act shall take effect after its
complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation,

Approved,