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

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

5511

HOUSE BILL Ni

Introduced by the Honorable Ann K. Hofer

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is embodied in Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution 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.

Siay-Kabasalan Wetland under the Municipalities of Siay and Kabasalan, Second
District of Zamboanga Sibugay is a hidden gem that is already gaining attention from both
local and international tourists. This breathtaking natural wonder encompasses diverse
ecosystems like the Cabug Island - a 30 year Mangrove Plantation by the local People’s
Organization in Siay which serves as roosting site for the Endangered Golden-crowned Flying
Fox (Acerodon jubatus) and the Vulnerable Giant Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus). Adjoining
this mangrove ecosystem are the vast tidal flats (mudflats) bordering Siay and Kabasalan which
provides a rich foraging ground (feeding area) for various migratory bird species coming from
as far as Europe, Siberia, Mongolia and Central Asia. Among the threatened species dependent
to this wetland of international importance are the Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius
madagascariensis), Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa
limosa), and the endemic Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica).

With the Siay-Kabasalan Wetland being declared as an ecotourism site, the needed
development and promotion for this gem will be recognized. Furthermore, the creation of an
ecotourism council will ensure the sustainable management, wise-use of resource, conservation
of the wetland and equitable sharing of benefits among the people. It is also expected that such
development will boost local government income, generate earnings from foreign exchange,
and create employment opportunities for the people residing with the area.

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

A

K. HOFER
Second District, Zamboanga Sibugay


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

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

5511

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by the Honorable ANN K. HOFER

AN ACT
DECLARING THE SIAY-KABASALAN WETLAND IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF
SIAY AND KABASALAN, PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY AS AN
ECOTOURISM SITE 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 “Siay-Kabasalan Wetland
Ecotourism Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared policy of the State to protect and
advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm
and harmony of nature.

SEC. 3. The Siay-Kabasalan Wetland Ecotourism Site. The Siay-Kabasalan Wetland in
the Municipalities of Siay and Kabasalan in the Second District of Zamboanga Sibugay is
hereby declared as an ecotourism site, whose geographical limits shall be subject to study by
the local government unit. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of
ecotourism sites.

SEC. 4. The Siay-Kabasalan Wetland Ecotourism Council. There shall be created an
ecotourism council, to be known as the Siay-Kabasalan Wetland Ecotourism Council,
hereinafter referred to as the “Council” and shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Chairperson shall either be the Local Chief Executive of Siay or Kabasalan
Municipality;

(b) A representative from an accredited non-governmental organization whose
advocacy is environmental preservation;

(c) A representative from a recognized indigenous people's organization; and


(d) Two (2) representatives from the private sector.

Siay and Kabasalan’s local legislative bodies shall appoint the members of the Council
for a term of five (5) years, renewable for one term.

SEC. 5. Functions and Responsibilities of the Council. The Council shall be responsible
for the following:

(a) Formulation and implementation of the Siay-Kabasalan Wetland Development
Plan, in consultation with local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders;

(b) Assessment and evaluation of the potential impact of the development to the
environmental safety and well-being of the site, communities, and enterprises;

(c) Provision of technical and financial assistance to communities within the site;

(d) Formulation of rules and regulations in relation to the maintenance and security of
the ecotourism site; and

(¢) Performance of other functions as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of
this Act.

SEC. 6. Implementing Agency. The DOT shall be the agency which shall take care of
planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring this Act.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. The funding necessary for the implementation of this Act shall
be included in the yearly budget allocation for the DOT under the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions, which are not affected thereby, shall continue to
be in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders
or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,