EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1027
of tl)t • rc ii’tnrp
•19 
SEP 10 P4 32
RECEI'/TO Si.
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
DECLARING 
BARANGAY 
TALA 
IN  
THE 
M UNICIPALITY 
OF 
ORANI, 
PROVINCE OF BATAAN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
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.
This bill is the Senate counterpart of House Bill No. 142 filed by Rep. 
Geraldine B. Roman of the First District of Bataan at the House of Representatives 
this 18th Congress.
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
CYNTHIA A. VILLX r


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No.
1027
;« j i
L 
cl H)» ♦firrtari'
'19 
SEP 10 P4 32
R E C E l';.,D :.i:___ ^
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
DECLARING 
BARANGAY 
TALA 
IN  
THE 
M UNICIPALITY 
OF 
ORANIf 
PROVINCE OF BATAAN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as the 'Tala Eco-tourism
2 
Zone Act."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration o f Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
4 
promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative,
5 
culturally 
sensitive, 
economically 
viable 
and 
equitably 
beneficial 
to 
local
6 
communities.
7 
Sec. 3. Barangay Tala in the Municipal of Orani, Province of Bataan is hereby
8 
declared an ecotourism zone. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department
9 
of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
10 
development of ecotourism zones.
11 
The DOT shall prepare development plan for Barangay Tala and shall
12 
incorporate the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP),


1 
pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as "The Tourism Act of 2009".
2 
The Plan shall be implemented jointly with the Municipality of Orani, the local
3 
Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the Bataan National Park (BNP) and the
4 
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
5 
The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Orani, the PAMB, the BNP,
6 
the TIEZA and other concerned agencies of the government, shall identify well
7 
defined geographic areas within Barangay Tala ecotourism zone, which shall include
8 
the Bataan National Park and existing infrastructure and facilities therein, and ensure
9 
the integrated development of these areas for the optimum utilization of natural
10 
assets and attractions, as well as the preservation of their historic significance.
11 
Sec. 4. The Secretary of the DOT, shall include in the Department's program
12 
the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the Annual
13 
General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.
14 
Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
15 
the DOT, in consultation with the Municipality of Orani, the PAMB, the BNP, the
16 
TIEZA, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
17 
implementation of this Act.
18 
Sec. 6. All laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations and other issuances, or
19 
parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
20 
accordingly.
21 
Sec. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
22 
Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.
23
Approved,