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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 5256

Introduced by Representative Sol Aragones

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Municipality of Victoria in the Province of Laguna is a 4th class municipality in
the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of
39,321 people.

As a tourist attraction, Victoria is known as the “Duck Raising Capital of the
Philippines”. For decades, the town’s industry has benefitted so much in the existence of duck
farms providing food and livelihood to its residents and unique delicacies to tourists. To further
improve the industry and push the town towards positive and sustainable development,
measures to protect the town’s assets must be carried out.

This proposal seeks to declare the Municipality of Victoria as an ecotourism zone and
appropriate funds for the purpose. With the proposal to develop Victoria into an ecotourism
zone, we hope to generate economic growth by providing employment opportunities through
tourism activities among the residents of the municipality. Other tourism related industries will
also spur further economic development in the area by providing local employment
opportunities through hotels, resorts, restaurants, transportation services, souvenir shops,
among others.

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

SOL PES

3® District, Laguna

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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

- 5266
House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Sol Aragones

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF VICTORIA, PROVINCE OF
LAGUNA, AS 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. Declaring Victoria, Laguna as an Ecotourism Zone. - The Municipality
of Victoria, Province of Laguna is hereby declared as an ecotourism zone. As such, priority
development of the Municipality of Victoria shall be made by the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist

zone.

SECTION 2. Role of Agencies. - The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government,
shall, within six (6) months after the approval of this Act, prepare the development plan
involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in the area: Provided, that said development plan
shall ensure the preservation of the natural beauty and historical significance thereof.

SECTION 3. Secretary of Tourism. - The Secretary of Tourism shall take immediate
steps to implement the said development plan and incorporate the same in the overall tourism
development program of the Department for the ensuing calendar year.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Tourism shall
issue the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

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SECTION 5. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the immediate implementation
of this Act is hereby appropriated from the funds of the National Treasury not otherwise
appropriated. Thereafter sum as maybe needed for the continued implementation, operation
and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriation Act.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved.

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