Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._39

Introduced by HON. LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines, being an archipelagic state, is globally known for its tourist spots and
destinations, especially our pristine white sand beaches. Accordingly, these destinations
generate great economic activity and provide livelihood to surrounding communities.

One of these destinations can be found in the Heart of the Philippines, the Province of
Marinduque. The Torrijos White Beach, found in the Municipality of Torrijos, is a kilometer
stretch of fine white sand which offers tourists an astounding beach experience. Torrijos
White Beach also offers a view of the province's highest peak, Mt. Malindig.

The establishment of the Torrijos White Beach as an ecotourism site will greatly help its
development while ensuring that its natural beauty will be preserved. It will also help spur
economic development not only in the Province of Marinduque, but the whole country as

well.

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

Lo! JAY Q. VELASCO.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, _35

Introduced by HON. LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO

AN ACT DECLARING TORRIJOS WHITE BEACH LOCATED IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF TORRIJOS, PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE, AN
ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 “Torrijos White Beach
Ecotourism Act.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote a sustainable and effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and
foreign. Towards this end, the country shall rationalize all efforts to make the tourism
industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for economic development. Moreover,
measures shall be taken to ensure that tourism development is consistent with the national
policy of protecting and conserving the natural environment threat.

Sec. 3. Ecotourism Site. - The Torrijos White Beach, located in the Municipality of
Torrijos, Province of Marinduque, is declared an ecotourism site. As such, its development
shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned agencies and
shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites.

Sec. 4. Ecotourism Governing Board. ~ Within one (1) year from the approval of
this Act, there shall be created an ecotourism governing board, to be known as the Torrijos
White Beach Ecotourism Governing Board, herein referred to as the “Board” and shall be
composed of the following:

a) Mayor of the Municipality of Torrijos, as Chairperson:

2


b) Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) or a duly-authorized
representative, as member;

©) Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or a
duly-authorized representative, as member;

4) Representative of the Lone District of Marinduque, or a duly-authorized
representative, as member;

©) A representative from an accredited non-governmental organization whose
advocacy is environmental preservation, as member;

f) A representative from the academe, as member; and

g) A representative from the business sector, as member.

The Board shall prepare the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation by
the local government unit of Torrijos of the provisions of this Act and shall, whenever
necessary, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet existing needs.

Sec. 5. Ecotourism Development Plan. ~ Within one (1) year from the approval of
this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the municipal government of Torrijos, the
Representative of the Lone District of Marinduque, and other concerned government
agencies, shall prepare a development plan involving the construction, installation, and
maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in
the ecotourism site: Provided, that the said development plan shall ensure the preservation
and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality.

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

Sec. 7. Appropriations. - 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 from internally generated funds of the DOT.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full
force and effect.

Sec. 9, Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances, or any part thereof which are inconsistent herewith are

hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

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

Approved,


Republic of the Philippines |

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 35

Introduced by HON. LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines, being an archipelagic state, is globally known for its tourist spots and
destinations, especially our pristine white sand beaches. Accordingly, these destinations
generate great economic activity and provide livelihood to surrounding communities.

One of these destinations can be found in the Heart of the Philippines, the Province of
Marinduque. The Torrijos White Beach, found in the Municipality of Torrijos, is a kilometer
stretch of fine white sand which offers tourists an astounding beach experience. Tortijos
White Beach also offers a view of the province's highest peak, Mt. Malindig.

The establishment of the Torrijos White Beach as an ecotourism site will greatly help its
development while ensuring that its natural beauty will be preserved. It will also help spur
economic development not only in the Province of Marinduque, but the whole country as
well.

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

LORI JAY Q. VELASCO


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 35°

Introduced by HON. LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO.

AN ACT DECLARING TORRIJOS WHITE BEACH LOCATED IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF TORRIJOS, PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE, AN
ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 “Torrijos White Beach
Ecotourism Act.”

See. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
Promote a sustainable and effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and
foreign. Towards this end, the country shall rationalize all efforts to make the tourism
industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for economic development. Moreover,
measures shall be taken to ensure that tourism development is consistent with the national
policy of protecting and conserving the natural environment threat.

Sec. 3. Ecotourism Site. — The Torrijos White Beach, located in the Municipality of
Torrijos, Province of Marinduque, is declared an ecotourism site. As such, its development
shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned agencies and
shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites.

Sec. 4. Ecotourism Governing Board. — Within one (1) year from the approval of
this Act, there shall be created an ecotourism governing board, to be known as the Torrijos
White Beach Ecotourism Governing Board, herein referred to as the “Board” and shall be
composed of the following:

a) Mayor of the Municipality of Torrijos, as Chairperson:

2


b) Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) or a duly-authorized
representative, as member;

©) Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or a
duly-authorized representative, as member;

d) Representative of the Lone District of Marinduque, or a duly-authorized
representative, as member;

©) A representative from an accredited non-governmental organization whose
advocacy is environmental preservation, as member:

£) A representative from the academe, as member; and

2) A representative from the business sector, as member.

The Board shall prepare the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation by
the local government unit of Torrijos of the provisions of this Act and shall, whenever
necessary, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet existing needs.

Sec. 5. Ecotourism Development Plan. ~ Within one (1) year from the approval of
this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the municipal goverment of Torrijos, the
Representative of the Lone District of Marinduque, and other concemed government
agencies, shall prepare a development plan involving the construction, installation, and
maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in
the ecotourism site: Provided, that the said development plan shall ensure the preservation
and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality

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

Sec. 7. Appropriations. - 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 from internally generated funds of the DOT.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full
force and effect.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances, or any part thereof which are inconsistent herewith are
hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

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

Approved,