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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. _ 9142

Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani, Province
of Bataan as eco-tourism zone.

It is the policy of the State to accord priority status to sustainable, vibrant and
profitable tourism development as one of the engines of socio-economic growth and
cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and employment.
Environmentally sound and community participatory tourism programs have spurred
socio and economic development in the tourism industry. In today's growth trend, the
problem of unemployment remains unresolved. Tourism-related sector is becoming an
increasingly important source of economic prosperity by way of creating job
opportunities. The total number of arrivals of tourists and sightseers to the Philippines
has greatly contributed to the improved economy and to our country’s status as a rising
tourist destination,

Part of the Bataan National Park, one of the most sought-after tourist
destinations in Bataan for its serene and natural beauty and unique terrain, is located in
Barangay Tala. Barangay Tala is also famous because of the Sinagtala Farm Resort
and Retreat Park. The declaration of Barangay Tala as local eco-tourism zone will
definitely help enhance its continued tourism viability. Further, Barangay Tala could
be easily developed into a first-class eco-tourism zone if it is equipped with amenities

and facilities complementing its full potential as a tourism venue.


The lack of allied infrastructure and facilities such as hotels, lodges, camps,
potable water supply and public transportation hinder the socio-economic and
environmental development of the area. Developing this barangay into an eco-tourism
zone will mold and enhance a sense of history and pride for all residents of Tala and
neighboring communities, thereby promoting the Bataan National Park as a tourist
destination. Further, it will provide employment opportunities to local residents and
with the influx of tourists, the eco-tourism zone will be a significant source of business

opportunities.

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

aan
ERALDINE B, ROMAN


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No, 9142

Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN

AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY TALA IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
RANI, PROVINCE OF BATAAN AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as “Tala Ecotourism Zone Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative,
culturally-sensitive, economically viable and equitably beneficial to local communities.

SEC. 3. Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani, Province of Bataan is hereby
declared an ecotourism zone. 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 zones.

The DOT shall prepare the development plan for Barangay Tala and shall incorporate
the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant to Republic
‘Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009.” The plan shall be
implemented jointly with the Municipality of Orani, the local Protected Area Management
Board (PAMB), the Bataan National Park (BNP) and the Tourism Infrastructure and
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA),

The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Orani, the PAMB, the BNP, the
TIEZA and other concerned agencies of the government, shall identify well-defined
geographic areas within Barangay Tala ecotourism zone, which shall include the Bataan
National Park and existing infrastructure and facilities therein, and ensure the integrated
development of these areas for the optimum utilization of natural assets and attractions, as
well as the preservation of their historic significance.


SEC. 4. 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 internally-generated funds of the DOT.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the
DOT, in consultation with the Municipality of Orani, the PAMB, the BNP, the TIEZA, shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. All laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations and other issuances, or
parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,