Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bit no. 4440

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ISAGANI S. AMATONG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Under Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, it is the policy
of the state to promote an ecologically sustainable and economically viable
tourism industry as an engine of socio-economic growth and cultural
affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange, and employment. Since
2014, the input of the tourism industry to the gross domestic product (GDP) of
the country has been continually increasing. In 2018, the contribution of
tourism to the national economy amounted to 12.7%.

In this light, this bill seeks to declare the Murcielagos Island in the
Municipality of Labason, Province of Zamboanga del Norte as an ecotourism
zone. Murcielagos Island, which comprises two islets called Bayangan and
Baliudyong, was declared as a protected landscape and seascape in April 23,
2000. The Bayangan islet is surrounded with white sand and has tail-like
white sand deposit. The Baliudyong islet has cave-like openings, cliffs, and
karst formations. The whole island is rich with flora and fauna.

Declaring Murcielagos Island as an ecotourism zone equipped with
amenities and facilities, subject to the conditions prescribed by the National
Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992, as amended, will not only
attract more tourists in the area but will also provide employment and
business opportunities for the local residents of Labason.

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

Ge oe

S. AMATONG


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House pitt no, 4440

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ISAGANI S. AMATONG

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MURCIELAGOS ISLAND PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AND
SEASCAPE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LABASON, PROVINCE OF
ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Murcielagos Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in the
Municipality of Labason, Province of Zamboanga del Norte is hereby declared
an ecotourism zone. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of
Tourism and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of ecotourism zones and the management of protected areas.

SECTION 2. The Department of Tourism, in coordination with the Protected
Area Management Board shall, within one (1) year after the approval of this
Act, prepare a development plan involving the construction, installation, and
maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure as shall enhance
tourism in the area; Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the
preservation and conservation of the natural resources of the area and shall be
consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7586 or the National
Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992, as amended by Republic Act
No. 11038.

SECTION 3. The Department of Tourism, in coordination with the
municipality of Labason and the local Protected Area Management Board, shall
take immediate steps in implementing the tourism development plan that will
suit the natural characteristics of the area and shall incorporate the same in
its overall development plans and programs for national implementation.

SECTION 4. It shall also be the responsibility of the Department of Tourism to
promote Murcielagos Island Ecotourism Zone as a tourism area in all its
national, regional, and local promotion programs.

SECTION 5. The Secretary of Tourism, in coordination with the municipality of
Labason and the Protected Area Management Board, shall promylgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

re


SECTION 6. The Secretary of Tourism shall include in the Department of
Tourism’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and the internally
generated funds of the Department of Tourisin

SECTION 7. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders or
Parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended or repealed
accordingly.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circukceon

Approved,