NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES)
First Regular Session )

House Bill No. 2666

Introduced by Representative ROMMEL RICO T. ANGARA.

ANACT
RECOGNIZING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BALER IN THE
PROVINCE OF AURORA
AS THE "BIRTHPLACE OF PHILIPPINE SURFING", DECLARING IT
AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION AND PROVIDING FOR ITS
DEVELOPMENT

EXPLANATORY NOTES

‘The waves of Baler have been popular not only to the local surfers but also to
the foreign surfing enthusiast. Unknown to many, surfing in Baler started in the late
1960s with the Gls then living in Subic Naval Base in search of waves they can ride
on.

In 1972, Steve Scott, a surfer who was then staying in Subic Naval Base went
to Baler with his surfboard and discovered the waves of the then untouched town of
Baler. Although foreign to the locals of Baler, the surfboard left by Scott started the
surfing community in Baler which is still existing up until today. Even after the visit
of Scott in Baler, foreigners from Surfer Magazine also visited Baler in 1977 prior to
the filming of Apocalypse Now in 1978, which was documented in a film entitled
“Explore the Amazing Land of the Philippines- True Adventure Documentary”, in
search of a place where surfing competition can take place.

While many places in the Philippines may claim that they too have their own
First Filipino Surfer, but what makes Baler different is the fact that after the Gls
discovered the waves of Baler, the locals then learned to surf and surfing community
were formed which paved way in making Baler a popular surfing destination,

Truly, the discovery of the foreigners of Baler as a surfing haven made it
possible for Baler to be known as the Birthplace of Philippine Surfing. Thus this bills
aims to recognize Baler not only as the Birthplace of Philippine Surfing but also to
declare Baler as an Eco Tourism Destination,

Scanned with CamScanner


This bill also aims to help the Local Government of Baler to promote the
‘ourism industry of the municipality and to generate higher income for the LGU while
Protecting the tourism sites from the threats of deterioration due to pollution

In view of the foregoing, the Passage of this bill is carnestly sought.

ROMMEL eA T.ANGARA
Representative, Lone District of Aurora

Scanned with CamScanner


NINETEENTHCONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

House Bill No, 2666

Introduced by Representative ROMMEL RICO T. ANGARA

ANACT
RECOGNIZING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BALER IN THE
PROVINCE OF AURORA
AS THE "BIRTHPLACE OF PHILIPPINE SURFING", DECLARING IT.
AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION AND PROVIDING FOR ITS
DEVELOPMENT

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

SEC. 1. The Municipality of Baler in the Province of Aurora is hereby declared
anecotourism destination and shall be recognized as the "Birthplace of Philippine
Surfing”. As such,its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and other concemed government agencies, subject to the rules and regulations

governing the development ofecotourism destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT in coordination
‘with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other
‘concemed govemmentagencies, shall prepare a tourisin development plan that shall
include the construction, installationand maintenance of such facilities and
infrastructure as may be necessary and appropriate topromote the beaches and surfing

activities in the area: Provided, That said development plan shallguarantee the

accessibility and security of tourists thereat and ensure the preservation, conservation

2 and optimum utilization of available assets and resources inthe area,

Scanned with CamScanner


19

20

a

2

2B

24

28

26

ou

28

29

30

31

32

SEC. 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development plan and
incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the ensuing calendar
year. It shall also include the Municipality of Baler in all its national, regional and
local promotions programs.

SECA 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 shall augment such allocation with internally
generated funds of the Department.

SEC. 5. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in
consultation with the DENR, the municipal government of Baler and other concerned
‘government agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, proclamations, presidential
decrees and other issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are
hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC.7

Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official

Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation,

Approved,

Scanned with CamScanner