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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1792

Introduced by Hon. Janice V. Degamo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines is globally recognized as a premier diving destination, blessed
with some of the richest marine biodiversity in the world. Among its many coastal
gems, the Municipality of Dauin in Negros Oriental has emerged as a unique and
exceptional site, particularly for night diving, offering underwater experiences that are
both breathtaking and ecologically significant.

Located along the southeastern coastline of Negros Island, Dauin is home to a
diverse array of marine life, including rare species of octopus, crustaceans,
nudibranchs, and other nocturnal sea creatures that are best observed after sunset. Its
black voleanic sand, coral gardens, and healthy reef ecosystems provide the perfect
conditions for muck diving, macro photography, and marine life observation at night.
Dive enthusiasts from around the world visit Dauin specifically for its guided night
dives, which are considered among the best in Asia.

Declaring Dauin as the Night Diving Capital of the Philippines will not only
give due recognition to its thriving eco-tourism sector but also further promote
environmental awareness and economic growth in the region. It will also support the
continuing conservation of its marine ecosystems, strengthen its tourism brand, and
attract greater investment and scientific research into marine biodiversity.

Approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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JANICE V. DEGAMO
Representatfve, 3xd District of Negros Oriental


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._ 1752

Introduced by Hon. JANICE V. DEGAMO

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF DAUIN IN THE PROVINCE OF
NEGROS ORIENTAL AS THE NIGHT DIVING CAPITAL OF THE
PHILIPPINES

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 "Dauin Night Diving
Capital of the Philippines Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to recognize and promote local tourism sites and experiences that contribute to the
country’s cultural, ecological, and economic growth. The State shall support
initiatives that highlight and protect the Philippines’ unique marine biodiversity and
promote sustainable tourism.

Section 3. Declaration as the Night Diving Capital. The Municipality of
Dauin in the Province of Negros Oriental is hereby declared as the Night Diving
Capital of the Philippines, in recognition of its rich marine biodiversity, thriving dive
industry, and world-renowned night diving experiences.

Section 4. Promotion and Development. The Department of Tourism (DOT),
in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENT),
the Local Government of Dauin, and other concerned agencies, shall:

(a) Formulate and implement programs to promote Dauin as the Night Diving
Capital of the Philippines;

(b) Ensure the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of marine resources;

(c) Provide technical and financial assistance to support the local dive industry
and eco-tourism projects;

(d) Encourage scientific research, environmental education, and responsible
diving practices in the area.


Section 5. Funding. The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
included in the budget of the DOT under the General Appropriations Act. Additional
funding may be sourced from other government agencies, private sector partners, or
foreign grants, subject to relevant laws, and regulations.

Section 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the DENR and other
concerned agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to
implement the provisions of this Act.

Section 7. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby.

Section 8. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations
or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

Section 9. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,