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f° E-Filed
Republic of the Philippines lS RECEIVED
HOUSE OF ac = DATE May 24, 2023
: TIME __ 2:42 pm
NINETEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _8351__

Introduced by: REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Maramo section of the Angat river system is located in the Municipality of
Norzagaray, Province of Bulacan. It is an ideal tourist destination because of the awe-
inspiring views of surrounding rock boulders within and outside of its clear turquoise waters.
‘Comparable to the majestic landscape and seascape views of El Nido in Palawan, this river
section offers a range of activities to visitors

The tourism industry around the globe is expanding rapidly and the trends are
extremely changing. This industry has a potential to stimulate the economy and accelerate
growth of the local communities by generating employment opportunities that will result in
revenue generation.

This bill therefore seeks to declare the Maramo section of the Angat river system in
Brgy. San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan an ecotourism destination. Developing this river
section into an ecotourism zone will encourage investments from local and foreign
stakeholders. It will generate employment opportunities for local residents that will translate
to economic advancement in the area.

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

SALVADO) LEYTO, SR.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _8351__

Introduced by: REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR.

AN ACT DECLARING THE MARAMO SECTION OF THE ANGAT RIVER
SYSTEM LOCATED IN BARANGAY SAN MATEO, MUNICIPALITY OF
NORZAGARAY, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION

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

SECTION 1. Creation - A new ecotourism destination called the “Maramo Nature
Reserve” is hereby created in the Municipality of Norzagaray, Bulacan.

SEC. 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 all local communities

SEC. 3. Public Infrastructure and Facilities — Within one (1) year after the approval of
this Act, the municipal government of Norzagaray shall, in coordination with the Department
of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources 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 and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area.

SEC. 4. Funding — The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in
the annual budget of the municipal government of Norzagaray. The DOT may augment such
funding requirements with internally-generated funds.

SEC. 5. Rules and Regulations ~ Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this
Act, the municipal government of Norzagaray, in consultation with the DOT and other
concemed agencies of the government, promulgate rules and regulations to implement this
Act.


SEC. 6. Repealing Clause — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
ordinances, rules and regulation, and other issuances or part thereof which are inconsistent
with this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,