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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REEPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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S.B. No. 
Introduced by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This measure proposes an ecotourism policy that would lay down a tourism 
framework based on a well-crafted balance between economic growth and 
environmental protection. It creates the National Ecotourism, Commission which shall 
formulate and implement a master plan with the assistance of the Department of 
Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. A network of 
ecotourism sites shall likewise be established, which will include but not to limited to 
those sites already covered by the National Integrated Protected Areas System under 
R.A. No. 7586. 
The role of the local communities, including the indigenous cultural communities 
as stewards of ecotourism is mandated, not only because they will benefit from the 
profits generated from the activities to be implemented pursuant thereof. 
The richness of our resources could only be optimally utilized if they are best 
protected. Tourism would yield the most profits if it ensures the primacy of the 
environment and the preservation of the culture of our people. It is high time that we 
reorient our tourism goals towards a sustainable type of tourism before nothing else 
would be left of us. 
Approval of this bill is therefore sincerely sought. 
C J Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 1 
'On, 
JUIJ 30 R'i :I 4 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S.B. No. 
Introduced by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL ECOTOURISM POLICY, ESTABLISHING A 
FRAMEWORK FOR ITS INSTITUTIONALIZATION, PRQVlDlNG THE 
MECHANISMS FOR ITS APPROPRIATE IMPLEMENTATIONS, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
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 "National Ecotourism 
Policy Act of 2004. ' I  
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is declared to be the policy of the State 
ensure the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology through 
the promotion of activities geared towards environmental protection and 
conservation; 
establish a framework for the utilization of natural sites for tourism 
purposes ensuring a well-crafted balance between economic development 
and resource enhancement; 
encouraging non-government organization, people's organizations and the 
private sector to take the lead in initiating programs for tourism 
development and environmental protection, and; 
enlist the participation of local communities including the indigenous 
peoples by providing them the necessary assistance in the determination 
of ecotourism sites and ensuring their right to the full enjoyment of the 
benefits thereof. 


SECTION 3. Network of Ecofourism Sifes. - There are hereby identified 
areas which shall be comprise the network of ecotourism sites established under this 
Act. The sites shall include but not be limited to areas within the National Integrated 
Protected Areas System as identified under Republic Act 7586, and other areas with 
significant and relevant cultural heritage to be identified by the Commission. 
SECTION 4. Nafional Ecofourism Commission. - There is hereby created a 
National Ecotourism Commission to be composed of one representative each from 
accredited non-government organizations and people’s organization engaged in 
ecotourism, one recognized indigenous peoples federation, 
reputable travel 
organizations, the academe and the organization representing the local government 
chief executives. 
The Commission shall be headed by a Chairman who must have a minimum of 
seven (7) years substantial exposure in the conduct of ecotourism activities and 
environmental protection. The chairman and the members of the Commission shall be 
appointed by the President for a term of five (5) years, with a possibility of one re- 
appointment. 
The Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources shall assist the Commission perform its task in pursuance of the objectives 
established in this Act. 
SECTION 5. Functions and Responsibilities of fhe Commission. - The 
Commission shall be responsible for the following: 
a) 
review and from time to time, update, the existing Ecotourism Master Plan 
and supervise the implementation of the corresponding programs and 
activities therein. 
b) 
Assess and evaluate the potential impacts of development to the 
environmental integrity of areas to be included in the Network Ecotourism 
Sites through the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessment under 
Presidential Decree 1586 and its related rules and regulations. 
Conduct of consultations with the local population to be affected by 
ecotourism development to integrate their Fultural values and beliefs in 
ecotourism plans and programs which may be formulated through their 
own initiative; 
d) 
Provide technical and financial assistance to communities which are 
included in the network of ecotourkm sites established under this Act. 
c) 
e) 
Formulation of rules and regulations which shall prohibit poaching 
activities, collection of wildlife species and the purchase of authentic 


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and anthropological possessions and artifacts and other activities 
utilize forest and waste minimization and recycling; 
as may be necessary to carry out the objectives if this 
SECT10 6. Role of Loca/ Communities. - The local communities as well as 
the indigenousi communities to be affected by the development of ecotourism 
sites shall actively participate in the formulation of ecotourism plans with the assistance 
of the Commission. They shall also have the right to declare their own localities as 
included in thee network of ecotourism sites. 
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SECTION 7. Code of Ecotourism Practice and Ethics. - The Commission 
shall formulate of a Code of Ecotourism Practice and Ethics, six (6) months after the 
approval of this Act after a series of consulting with the concerned and affected 
stakeholders and practitioners of the tourism industry in the government and the private 
sectors as well as the affected communities and indigenous peoples. 
SECTION 8. &ofourism Fund. - To carry out the purpose if this Act, there 
shall be created a special fund called the Ecotourism Practice which shall be sourced 
from at least twenty percent (20%) of the gross receipts of the travel tax of the 
preceeding year and such other sources as government may deem appropriate. 
SECTION 9. Appropriation. - Such amount as may be necessary to defray the 
expenses of the Commission in the implementation of this Act shall be appropriated. 
Thereafter, the amount shall be regularly sourced from the General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION I O .  Separability Clause.. - If any portion of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force 
and effect. 
SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved.