TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session  
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
H. No. 1854
Introduced by Representative Binky April M. Tupas 
AN ACT  
DECLARING THE ISLAS DE GIGANTES LOCATED IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF CARLES, PROVINCE OF ILOILO, AN 
ECOTOURISM ZONE  
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Tourism functions as a fundamental economic pillar of the 
Philippines because it generates employment opportunities while 
expanding exports and supporting nationwide development inclusivity. 
The tourism sector has emerged as a vital force for local economic 
recovery during the post-pandemic period particularly in underdeveloped 
and promising areas. 
The State policy to develop sustainable tourism and equitable 
development throughout the country guides this bill to establish Islas de 
Gigantes in the Municipality of Carles, Iloilo Province as an ecotourism 
zone. The proposed legislation works to establish Islas de Gigantes as a 
sustainable world-class tourist destination which will attract investments 
while creating local employment and protecting the island group’s natural 
biodiversity and cultural heritage. 
The enchanting island chain of Islas de Gigantes exists in the 
Visayan Sea as part of the Western Visayas archipelago. The political 
boundaries of the Municipality of Carles, Iloilo include four barangays 
which are Asluman, Granada, Lantangan, and Gabi. The island group 
includes two major islands named Gigantes Norte (Gigantes North) and 
Gigantes Sur (Gigantes South) together with smaller islands such as 
Cabugao Gamay, Cabugao Dako, Bulubadiang, Gigantillo, Antonia, 
Bantigui, Tanguingui, Polopandan, Waydahon, and Gigantuna. 
The islands are famous for their soft white sand beaches, clear 
waters, plenty of seafood, limestone cliffs, and interesting rock 
July 14, 2025
1:36 pm




TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
 ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES  
 ) 
First Regular Session     
 ) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
H. No. 1854
Introduced by Representative Binky April M. Tupas 
AN ACT  
DECLARING THE ISLAS DE GIGANTES LOCATED IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF CARLES, PROVINCE OF ILOILO, AN 
ECOTOURISM ZONE  
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The Islas de Gigantes, consisting of four (4) barangays, 
namely, Asluman, Granada, Lantangan and Gabi, all located in the 
Municipality of Carles, Province of Iloilo, is hereby declared an ecotourism 
zone, to be known as the “Islas de Gigantes Ecotourism Zone.” Pursuant 
thereto, its development shall be prioritized and supported by the 
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations 
governing the development of ecotourism zones. 
SEC. 2. Within six (6) months after the approval of this Act, the municipal 
government of Carles shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and concerned agencies of 
the government, prepare a tourism development plan that shall include 
the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate 
infrastructure and facilities to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That 
said development plan shall ensure the preservation of the flora and fauna 
and perpetuate the historical significance of the identified tourism 
attractions: Provided, further, That the implementation of the tourism 
development plan shall be included in the budget of the municipal 
government of Carles. 
SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the municipal government of Carles in the 
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical 
assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include the Islas de 
Gigantes in its national and regional promotion programs. 


SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included 
in the annual budget of the municipal government of Carles. The DOT 
may augment such allocation with internally-generated funds. 
 
 
SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectiveness of this Act, the 
municipal government of Carles shall, in consultation with the DOT, 
DENR and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules and 
regulations to implement this Act. 
 
SEC. 6. If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force 
and effect. 
 
 
SEC. 7. All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other 
issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,