Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
“AN ACT 
DECLARING ADDITIONAL CAVES AND CAVE SYSTEMS AS PART OF THE 
LIBMANAN CAVES NATURAL PARK IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LIBMANAN, 
PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” 
This measure proposes to declare additional caves to be part of the Libmanan Caves 
Natural Park in the Municipality of Libmanan in Camarines Sur as an Ecotourism Site. 
All caves in Sigamot and the nearby barangays of Bical and Odoc are proposed to be 
included in a bigger Libmanan Caves National Park. It is centered on the massive 
2,856-meter-long Colapnitan Cave, the tenth longest cave in the Philippines. The 
park itself covers a total area of 19.4 hectares across the hilly farmlands of Libmanan. 
Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. The 
declaration of the ecotourism site helps build environmental and cultural awareness 
and respect. It is aimed not only at conservation but also generating financial benefits 
for the local community. 
In view of the foregoing the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
July 3, 2021
4:07 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
“AN ACT 
DECLARING ADDITIONAL CAVES AND CAVE SYSTEMS AS PART OF THE 
LIBMANAN CAVES NATURAL PARK IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LIBMANAN, 
PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR” 
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 “Expanded Libmanan Caves 
Natural Park Ecotourism Act.”  
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates 
that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and 
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. 
Accordingly, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote to promote an 
ecologically-sustainable and effective tourist industry that will enhance environmental  
preservation and support socio-economic development. 
SECTION 3. The Expanded Libmanan Caves Ecotourism Site. At least fifteen 
more caves in addition to the Libmanan Caves Natural Park in the Municipality of 
Libmanan, Province of Camarines Sur is hereby declared as an ecotourism site. Its 
development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be 
subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites. 
The DOT, in coordination with the concerned local government units as well as with 
the other concerned government agencies, shall prepare a tourism development plan 
for Expanded Libmanan Caves Natural Park which shall be incorporated in the overall 
National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, 
otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009”, and which shall also include the 
construction and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities in the area; Provided, 
That the development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the 
scenery and resources of the area. 
 9759


 
 
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty (60) days after the 
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DOT, in consultation with the concerned 
local government units, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority 
(TIEZA) and other agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for 
the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 5. Appropriations. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the 
Department’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be 
included in the Annual General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of 
the DOT. 
 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive 
orders or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby deemed repealed or 
amended accordingly. 
 
SECTION 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,