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2 BAT BUN § 0 2022

Republic of the Philippines

House of Representativ
Quezon City, Metro Manila

ie

Nineteenth Congress,
First Regular Session

36

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines has been blessed with spectacular natural wonders, such as the majestic
limestone cliffs of Coron, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and the rugged hills of Batanes. These
wonders make this country a much sought-after destination for tourists all over the world.
Thus, the Philippines has consistently sought to promote tourism in the country in order to
create jobs, improve the lives of local communities, and preserve and develop our natural
wonders.

The Municipality of Santa Cruz in the Province of Marinduque has a great potential to
become one of the top tourist destinations in the country. It has plenty of natural wonders
which remain unheralded. A beach of powdery and white sand with very clear and blue
waters surrounds the island of Maniwaya. A newly-found cave, the Bagumbungan Cave,
dubbed as one of the best caves for spelunking in the Philippines since its founding, is also
found in the Municipality of Santa Cruz. These are but some of the many destinations which
tourists should visit in the Municipality of Santa Cruz.

Accordingly, the establishment of the Municipality of Santa Cruz as an Ecotourism Zone is
appropriate to conserve and preserve its natural beauty while promoting it as a top tourist
destination in the country. It would generate investment and enhance socio-economic activity
in the area. This would be very beneficial not only for the Municipality of Santa Cruz, but for
the whole country as well.

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

LORD, AY Q.V



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 36

Introduced by HON. LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO.

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF STA. CRUZ, PROVINCE OF
MARINDUQUE, AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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 “Santa Cruz Ecotourism
Act.”

See. 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 shall rationalize all efforts to make the tourism
industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for economic development. Moreover,
measures shall be taken to ensure that tourism development is consistent with the national
policy of protecting and conserving the natural environment.

Sec. 3. Santa Cruz Ecotourism Zone. ~ The Municipality of Santa Cruz, located in
the Province of Marinduque, is hereby declared 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 shall be given focus by the DOT,
other concerned government agencies, and the municipal goverment of Santa Cruz:

a) Islands of Maniwaya, Mongpong, and Polo;

b) Bagumbungan Cave;


©) Busay Falls in Barangay Pag-asa;
4) Kawa-kawa Falls in Barangay Bangcuangan; and

e) Santa Cruz Church

Sec. 4, Ecotourism Governing Board. ~ Within one (1) year from the approval of
this Act, there shall be created the Santa Cruz Ecotourism Governing Board, to be composed
of the following:

a) Mayor of the Municipality of Santa Cruz, as ex-officio Chairperson;

b) Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) or a duly-authorized
representative, as member:

©) Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or a
duly-authorized representative, as member;

d) Representative of the Lone District of Marinduque, or a duly-authorized
representative, as member;

©) Representative from an accredited non-governmental organization whose
advocacy is environmental preservation, as member:

£) Representative from the academe, as member; and

g) Representative from the business sector, as member.

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

The Provincial Government of Marinduque shall provide a Secretariat for the Board
including the funding necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its official
functions and activities.

See. 5. Ecotourism Development Plan. ~ Within one (1) year from the approval of
this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the municipal government of Santa Cruz, the
Representative of the Lone District of Marinduque, and other concerned government
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 Santa Cruz, particularly in the Islands of
Maniwaya, Mongpong, and Polo; Bagumbungan Cave; Busay Falls in Barangay Pag-asa;
Kawa-kawa Falls in Barangay Bangcuangan; and Santa Cruz Church: Provided, that said
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and
indigenous nature of the locality.


Sec. 6. Implementation of the Plan. ~ The DOT shall take immediate steps in
implementing the tourism development plan and incorporate the same in its overall
development plans and programs for national implementation.

See. 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 from internally generated funds of the DOT.

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

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

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

Approved,