Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._ 7273

Introduced by Representative Luisa Lloren Cuaresma

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Barangay Malico in the Municipality of Santa Fe,
Province of Nueva Vizcaya an ecotourism zone.

Barangay Malico is one of the sixteen (16) barangays in the Municipality
of Santa Fe, which stretches to the municipalities of Santa Rosa in Nueva Ecija,
and San Nicolas in Pangasinan. It is a small barangay with a population of two
hundred twenty-six (226) people as determined by the 2015 census, that mostly
belong to the Ikalahan-Kalanguya tribe. It has an elevation of 1,675 meters
above sea level, which is higher than Baguio City. Its cold weather temperature
of seven to nine degrees Celsius is suitable for growing crops like strawberries,
cabbage, carrots, and other upland vegetables.

Barangay Malico has a picturesque view that offers tourists magnificent
landscapes filled with a pine forest that stretches along the Pangasinan-Nueva
Vizcaya road. Every portion of the road is Instagram-worthy that gives
motorists and tourists a breathtaking view of the undiscovered mountain
paradise. The place also offers an amazing view of the sunset over the plains of
Nueva Vizcaya and Pangasinan. Tourists may also have a glimpse of World
War II because the remains of the Sherman tank, which the United States 32"
Infantry Division used during the American-Japanese war, still sit in the middle
of the forest. A World War II Peace Memorial Park was also in Barangay
Malico, in honor of thousands of gallant soldiers who died in the war. After
exploring the pine forest of Barangay Malico tourists may dive and relax in the
cold water of Hingi and Seven Layer waterfalls.

AUG 0 5 2020


Because of its cultural heritage, rich natural wonders, untouched nature,
and unique terrain, Barangay Malico requires preservation, sustainability as
well as development to enhance and preserve its beauty and progress. It may be
recognized as a first-class ecotourism destination if it is equipped with
amenities and facilities complementing its full potential as an ecotourism zone.

The declaration of Barangay Malico as an ecotourism zone will promote its
preservation and will create economic opportunities for local communities.

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

feu Betm Cecccnme

LUISA LLOREN CUARESMA


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Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. __7273

Introduced by Representative Luisa Lloren Cuaresma

AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY MALICO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
SANTA FE, PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA, AN ECOTOURISM
ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Barangay Malico, in the Municipality of Santa Fe, Province
of Nueva Vizcaya is hereby declared an ecotourism zone. Its development
shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules
and regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT shall,
in coordination with the local government units of the Municipality of Santa Fe
and agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan involving
the construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and
facilities that shall encourage tourism in the area: Provided, That said

development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural


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beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further, That any activities and
development to be carried out in the area should conform with the concept of
ecotourism as provided in the national ecotourism strategy jointly issued by the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the DOT.

SEC. 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to
implement the tourism development plan that suits the natural characteristics of
Barangay Malico, and shall incorporate the same in its tourism development
program for the ensuing calendar year. It shall also include Barangay Malico in
all its national, regional, and local promotion programs.

SEC. 4. The Secretary of Tourism shall include in the DOT’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. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the
Secretary of Tourism shall, in consultation with the local government of the
Municipality of Santa Fe, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, or parts thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended accordingly.

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

Approved,