Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
‘Second Regular Session

7408

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Deputy Speaker RANEO E. ABU
Second District, Batangas

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution, through Section 15, Article Il states, “the State shall protect and
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.”
Likewise, Chapter 1 Section 2 of the RA 9593 also known as “The Tourism Act of 2009"
declares that “The State declares that tourism is an indispensable element of the national
economy and an industry of national interest and importance, which must be harnessed as an
engine of socioeconomic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign
exchange and employment, and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all
Filipinos. Towards this end, the State shall seek to “Create a favorable image of the Philippines
within the international community, thereby strengthening the country’s attraction as a tourism
destination and eventually paving the way for other benefits that may result from a positive
global view of the country.”

In consonance with the abovementioned provisions in the Constitution, this bill seeks to
convert the Mabini Community Hospital into a Level | Specialty Tourism Hospital to be known
as the Mabini Medical Tourism Hospital, and increase its bed capacity to fifty. Correspondingly,
the proposed measure seeks to provide upgrade in its service facilities and professional health
care, and allocate sufficient funding for the hospital

In the governance of domestic and international tourism, health has not always been a
priority in the management of a tourist destination. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we are
faced with the challenge of recovering the growth of eco-tourism in the country. The pandemic
has highlighted the vulnerability not only of the municipality but of the country in its capacity in
responding to health emergencies. It is only wise that we put health at the center of this post-
pandemic tourism strategy. With this Level | Health Facility in place, the Mabini Medical Tourism
Hospital can be a model in integrating health and eco-tourism development.

Anilao, Mabini is considered to be one of the top scuba diving spots in the country. Data
shows that Mabini, Batangas recorded a total of 363,109 tourist arrivals in 2019, and 32,277 of
which are foreign travelers. Given the nature of the tourism activities in the area, there have
been several cases of physical injury and drowning. At present, the Mabini Community Hospital
is an eighteen (18) bed-capacity hospital. The presence of Mabini Medical Tourism Hospital


with health specialists will increase the level of care and provide assurance in accessing safe
and complete health services to tourists.

This bill is being submitted for the consideration of the Congress to promote and maintain
international standards of excellence in all tourism facilities and services, and promote the
country as a safe and wholesome tourist destination, particularly in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

House Bit no, 7408

Introduced by Representative RANEO E. ABU
Second District, Batangas

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MABINI COMMUNITY HOSPITAL IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MABINI,
PROVINCE OF BATANGAS INTO A LEVEL | TOURISM SPECIALTY HOSPITAL TO BE
KNOWN AS MABINI MEDICAL TOURISM HOSPITAL, INCREASING ITS BED CAPACITY
TO FIFTY (50) BEDS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Mabini Community Hospital in the Municipality of Mabini, Province of
Batangas is hereby converted into a Level | Hospital which shalll function as a Specialty Tourism
Hospital to be known as the Mabini Medical Tourism Hospital.

SECTION 2. The Mabini Medical Tourism Hospital shall have the capabilities of a Level |
Hospital, increasing its bed capacity to fifty (50) beds.

SECTION 3. The existing hospital facilities and professional health care services of the hospital
are hereby upgraded to conform with the bed capacity increase as provided for in Section 2
hereof. The existing workforce of the hospital shall also be correspondingly increased. The
Department of Health, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management and the
Civil Service Commission, shall determine the additional plantilla positions to be created and
filled

SECTION 4. The Mabini Medical Tourism Hospital shall be under the administrative control of
the Department of Health. The Secretary of Health shall immediately include in the
Department's programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in
the annual General Appropriations Act.


SECTION 5. The Department of Tourism shall provide technical assistance in the integration
and development of tourism activities in the setting up of Mabini Medical Tourism Hospital and
shall provide funding relative thereto.

SECTION 6. Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Health and
Secretary of Tourism shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act.

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

Approved.