Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
1st   Regular Session 
    HOUSE BILL NO.___ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Rep. Elisa  T.  Kho and Rep. Antonio T.  Kho 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Palani Beach, nestled in the Municipality of Balud, Masbate, is a true hidden gem. It 
offers a uniquely laid-back and unspoiled beachfront, providing a serene escape from the hustle 
and bustle of daily life. Unlike many popular white sand destinations, Palani Beach remains 
remarkably free from congestion, largely due to its secluded location. This remoteness has 
preserved its natural beauty, allowing visitors to experience a truly tranquil and undisturbed 
paradise. 
This proposed bill aims to officially declare Palani Beach an eco-tourism zone. This 
designation is crucial for its preservation and sustainable maintenance as a vital tourism site. By 
safeguarding its pristine environment, we can ensure that future generations will also be able to 
enjoy its unique charm and tranquility. 
A similar measure was favorably acted upon during the 18th and 19th Congress, 
successfully passing its third reading and being transmitted to the Senate. Unfortunately, due to 
time constraints, the measure was not acted upon before the session ended. 
Given the immense importance of protecting this invaluable natural asset, we urgently 
call for the passage of this bill. 
REP. ELISA T.  KHO, M.D.,FPCCP
REP.  ANTONIO T. KHO 
July 21, 2025
12:15 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
1st   Regular Session 
    HOUSE BILL NO.___ 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Rep. Elisa  T.  Kho and Rep. Antonio T.  Kho 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
 DECLARING THE PALANI BEACH IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BALUD, 
PROVINCE OF MASBATE AS AN ECO-TOURISM ZONE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Palani Beach Eco-Tourism Zone Act." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of State Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote 
a sustainable tourism industry. Towards this end, the State shall rationalize all efforts pertaining 
to environmental protection and make the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an 
avenue for the generation of employment. Henceforth, aggressive measures seeking to restore the 
country's share in the global tourism market shall be consistent with the preservation of the 
existing ecosystem and natural environment. 
SECTION 3. Declaration of Palani Beach as an Eco-Tourism Zone. Pursuant to the declared 
policy of the State, the Palani Beach in the Municipality of Balud, Province of Masbate, is 
hereby declared as an eco-tourism zone. 
SECTION 4. Eco-Tourism Master Plan. The Provincial Government of Masbate, in coordination 
with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of 
Tourism (DOT), shall jointly prepare an Eco-Tourism Master Plan for the Palani Beach eco-
tourism zone in the Municipality of Balud. This Master Plan shall include, but not be limited to, 
sustainable development guidelines, carrying capacity studies, infrastructure development, 
environmental protection measures, livelihood programs for local communities, and promotional 
strategies. The said agencies shall also promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the 
effective implementation of this Act, to be enforced by the local government unit concerned in 
coordination with relevant government agencies. 
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SECTION 5. Appropriations. The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall include in its programs 
the amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act. Thereafter, the funding for the 
continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act. 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules or 
regulations, and issuances or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the completion of 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,