Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH (18") CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 465

Introduced by HON. ELISA T. KHO, M.D., FPCCP

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bat-ongan Peak, Cave and Underground River in the Municipality of Mandaon,
Province of Masbate is found in a mole-like mountain, and famous for its numerous chambers
and beautiful rock formations towering over 150 feet. The caves offer tourist a thrilling experience
in steep rock-climbing up to the highest peak. The caves, which are believed to be enchanted have
seven openings and lead also to underground rocks shaped like an altar and pulpit. The
underground river is famous for its length of about 10 kilometers.

This bill would seek to declare the Bat-ongan Peak, Cave and Underground River to be an
eco-tourism zone for its preservation and maintenance as a tourism site.

In view of the importance of this matter, we urgently ask for the passage of this bill.

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HON. ELISA T. KHO, M.D., FPCCP
Representative
24 District, Masbate


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH (18%) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 465

Introduced by HON. ELISA T. KHO, M.D., FPCCP

AN ACT
DECLARING THE BAT-ONGAN PEAK , CAVE AND UNDERGROUND RIVER:
IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MANDAON,
PROVINCE OF MASBATE AS AN ECO-TOURISM ZONE,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. State Policy — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote sustainable
tourism industry. Towards this end, the state shall rationalize all efforts pertaining to
environmental protection and make the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an
avenue for the generation of employment. Henceforth, aggressive measures seeking to restore the
country’s share in the global tourism market shall be consistent with the preservation of the
existing ecosystem and natural environment.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy — Pursuant to the declared policy of the State, the Bat-
ongan Peak, Cave and Underground River in the Municipality of Mandaon, Province of Masbate
is hereby declared as an eco-tourism zone.

SECTION 3. Eco-Tourism Master Plan — The Provincial Government of Masbate, the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism shall jointly
prepare an Eco-Tourism Master Plan for the Bat-ongan Peak, Cave and Undeground River in the
‘Municipality of Mandaon and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to be implemented
by the local government in coordination with concerned government agencies.

SECTION 4. Appropriations — The Department of Tourism shall include in the Department's
programs the amount necessary for the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be
included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules or
regualtions, and issuances contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be
deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall be effective fifteen (15] days following the completion
of its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

‘Approved