Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This Bill proposes to declare Sulpan Cave and Underground River located in 
Brgy. Barruz, Municipality of Matuginao as a nature-based tourism destination. 
The Municipality of Matuginao is blessed with numerous natural resources that 
can serve as pillars of sustainable tourism. One of these is the Sulpan Cave and 
Underground River. The site features remarkable geological formations and a 
subterranean river system. 
Sulpan Cave and its Underground River hold significant promise as a nature-
based tourism spot, providing avenues for eco-tourism, scientific study, and cultural 
enrichment. By declaring Sulpan Cave and Underground River a nature-based tourism 
destination, the State seeks to ensure the preservation of its ecological integrity while 
promoting it as a sustainable tourism site. This initiative will not only showcase the 
Municipality of Matuginao’s natural wonders but will also create livelihood 
opportunities, strengthen community involvement, and support the province’s broader 
eco-tourism strategy. 
Promoting this site as a nature-based tourism destination will be a driver of 
inclusive growth for the people of Matuginao and the entire Province of Samar. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
September 9, 2025
4:10 pm
4484


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING SULPAN CAVE AND UNDERGROUND RIVER LOCATED 
IN BARANGAY BARRUZ, MUNICIPALITY OF MATUGINAO, A NATURE-BASED 
TOURISM DESTINATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short title. - This Act shall be known as the “Sulpan Cave and 
Underground River Nature-based Tourism Destination Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, 
participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local 
communities. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms 
and infrastructures for sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop 
certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having 
potential for tourism to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. Sulpan Cave and Underground River as Nature-based 
Tourism Destination. – Sulpan Cave and Underground River in Barangay Barruz, 
Municipality of Matuginao is hereby declared as a nature-based tourism destination. 
This site shall be developed and promoted for its ecological significance, cultural 
value, and recreational potential, with tourism activities designed to highlight its natural 
beauty while ensuring environmental protection and sustainability. Their development 
shall be incorporated in the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) National Tourism 
Development Plan (NTDP) successor plan for 2023–2028 and shall be jointly 
implemented with the Municipal Government of Matuginao and the Provincial Tourism 
Office of Samar. The construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities in the 
area shall be a shared responsibility of the DOT and the concerned local government 
units, with emphasis on sustainable development and resource management. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall 
include in its Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
4484


 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism 
Council, after due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other 
stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation 
of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take 
effect after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR. 
 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, and issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended 
accordingly. 
 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,