Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Cathedral Cave in the Municipality of Matuginao, Province of Samar stands 
out as a significant natural treasure. Its expansive chambers, distinctive rock 
formations, and rich biodiversity offer stunning natural beauty and avenues for both 
ecological and cultural discovery. However, despite its promise, thus potentially major 
tourist attraction remains largely untapped. This Bill proposes to declare Cathedral 
Cave located in Brgy. Mabuligon, Municipality of Matuginao as a nature-based tourism 
destination. 
By declaring Cathedral Cave a nature-based tourism destination, the State 
seeks to ensure the preservation of its ecological integrity while promoting it as a 
sustainable tourism site. This initiative will not only showcase the Municipality of 
Matuginao’s natural wonders but will also create livelihood opportunities, strengthen 
community involvement, and support the province’s broader eco-tourism strategy. 
Promoting this site as a nature-based tourism destination will bring greater 
visibility to Samar and allow the province to showcase its natural beauty. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
September 9, 2025
4:10 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING CATHEDRAL CAVE IN BARANGAY MABULIGON, 
MUNICIPALITY OF MATUGINAO, A NATURE-BASED TOURISM DESTINATION 
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 the “Cathedral Cave 
Nature-based Tourism Destination Act.” 
SECTION 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 equitable for local 
communities. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms 
and infrastructures for sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop 
certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having 
potential for tourism to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. Cathedral Cave as Nature-based Tourism Destination. – 
Cathedral Cave in Barangay Mabuligon, Municipality of Matuginao is hereby declared 
as a nature-based tourism destination. This site shall be developed and promoted for 
its ecological significance, cultural value, and recreational potential, with tourism 
activities designed to highlight its natural beauty while ensuring environmental 
protection and sustainability. Their development shall be incorporated in the 
Department of Tourism’s (DOT) National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 
successor plan for 2023–2028 and shall be jointly implemented with the Municipal 
Government of Matuginao and the Provincial Tourism Office of Samar. The 
construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities in the area shall be a shared 
responsibility of the DOT and the concerned local government units, with emphasis on 
sustainable development and resource management. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall 
include in its Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
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SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism 
Council, after due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other 
stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation 
of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take 
effect after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR. 
 
 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, and issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended 
accordingly. 
 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,