Republic ofthe Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill nod 2 62

Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF CAPALONGA IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES
NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

“The Province of Camarines Notte in the Bicol Region is included in the National Tourism Masterplan as
a Tourism Development Area. Among the many towns in Camarines Norte, the municipality of Capalonga
in the 1# Legislative District is one of those that stands out with respect to ecotourism potential.

Capalonga is famous for many tourist attractions, world-class beaches and a renowned piigrimage site,
specifically the Shrine of the Black Nazarene, which draws thousands of pilgrims of cfferent nafionaliies
every May 13%.

Pulong Gujanlaoin Camagsaanis, in fac, situated in his municipality and itnever fled to amaze people
with iis white beach, Selfie Beach Resort, Tinagong Beach together with its Bal-inspired attractions,
Sabang Beach and Lom-oc beach are also among the top notch destinations. There are also myriad of
water falls ike the Banca-banca, Banokbok and Itok Falls that are at par with the best falls in the country.
‘The town also boasts ofits Sabong-sabong Reef and Dive Site that is stil a hidden gem among dive
enthusiasts, These are just some of the examples of the endless tourist destination in the area.

In light ofthe huge potential of the Municipality of Capalonga to become a top tourist destination, ts
hereby sought thatthe Municipality of Capalonga inthe Province of Camarines Norte be declared as an
Evotourism Zone. This declaration would indubitably create new jobs, improve the local livelihood and
will be beneficial for the domestic economy.

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

HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO
4s District, Camarines Norte


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill Nod 26 2
Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF CAPALONGA IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES
NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be itenacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 4, Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Capalonga Ecotourism Act of 2025".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. Itis hereby dectared the policy ofthe State to promote a sustainable
and effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and foreign. Towards this end, the country
Should rationalize all efforts to make the tourism industry a major source of lvelitood and an avenue for
eonomic development. Moreover, measures should be taken to ensure that tourism development would
be done with a view on the preservation ofthe existing ecosystem and natural environment.

SECTION 3. Capalonga Ecotourism Zone. The Municipality of Capalonga inthe Province of Camarines
Note is hereby declared as an Ecotourism Zone. As such, its development shall be prioritized by the
Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concemed agencies, subject to the rules and reguations
governing the development of ecotourism zones.

In particular, the development ofthe folowing areas will be given focus by the DOT, the concerned
government agencies and also the Municipality of Capalonga, Province of Camarines Norte, to wit

. Pulong Guijanlao;

The immediate environs of the Selfie Beach Resort and Tinagong Beach Resort,
.Capalonga Lighthouse;

Sabang Beach;

Lom-oc Beach;

Banca-banca Falls, Banokbok Falls and Itok Falls;

‘Sabong-sabong Reef and Dive Site;

Alayao River, Camagsaan River and Mataque River, and

The immediate environs of the Shrine ofthe Black Nazarene,

rse-eange

SECTION 4. Ecotourism Governing Board. - Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, there shall
be created the Capalonga Ecotourism Governing Board, to be composed of the following:

a. Mayor of the Municipality of Capalonga, as ex-officio Chairperson
b._ Secretary of the Department of Tourism or a duly-authorized representative, as member


c. Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or a duly-authorized
representative, as member,

4. Representative of the 1 District of Camarines Norte or a duly-authorized representative, as
member;

e. Representative from an accredited non-governmental organization whose advocacy is
environmental preservation, as member,

f, Representative of the academe, as member, and

4g. Representative from the business sector, as member.

‘The Board shall prepare the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act
‘and shall, when necessary, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet existing needs.

The Municipal Government of Capalonga shall provide a secretariat for the Board including the funding
necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its official functions and activities.

SECTION 5. Ecotourism Development Plan. — Within one (1) year from the approval ofthis Act, the DOT,
in coordination with the local government unit of Capalonga, the Representative of the 1% District of
Camarines Norte and other concerned government agencies, shall prepare an ecotourism development
plan containing, among others, the construction, instalation and maintenance of such appropriate
faclities and infrastructure that shall enhance tourism in the Municipality of Capalonga, particularly in the
areas mentioned in Section 3 hereof; Provided, that the said development plan shall ensure the
preservation and conservation ofthe natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality.

SECTION 6. Implementation of the Plan, The DOT shall take immediate steps in implementing the
ecotourism development plan and incorporate the same in its overall development plans and programs
for national implementation.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. 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.

SECTION 8. Separabilly Clause. — I any provision ofthis Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid,
the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other issuances
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifleen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.