TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No. ^^57
Senate
of tljf ^TV:nMg
25 AUG-7 P6 :15
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
AN ACT DECLARING THE MARAMO SECTION OF THE ANGAT 
RIVER SYSTEM IN BARANGAY SAN MATEO, MUNICIPALITY OF 
NORZAGARAY, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AN ECOTOURISM 
DESTINATION, TO BE KNOWN AS THE MARAMO NATURE 
RESERVE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Tourism is a major driver of economic growth and employment in the country. 
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the contribution of the sector to 
the country's GDP in 2024 was estimated at 8.9%. In addition, the sector generated 
a total of 6.75 million jobs in 2024, a 6.1% increase from 2023.1
Further, it plays a vital role in driving local economies, promoting cultural 
heritage, and enhancing environmental awareness. As of the third quarter of 2023, 
Central Luzon—including the province of Bulacan—recorded a total of 2.8 million 
tourist arrivals, with 2.6 million from domestic tourism and nearly 198,000 from foreign 
visitors, according to the Department of Tourism.2
One of Bulacan's emerging ecotourism gems is the Maramo section of the Angat 
River System in Barangay San Mateo, Municipality of Norzagaray. Often referred to as 
the "Little Palawan of Bulacan," this area boasts towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear 
river waters, and untouched forest surroundings. The Maramo River attracts nature 
lovers, hikers, campers, and local tourists seeking eco-adventure experiences within 
proximity to Metro Manila.
Philippine Statistics Authority. Tourism Contributes 8.9 Percent to the Philippine Economy in 2024. Published 
on 19 June 2025. Available at https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/tourism (Accessed on 10 July 2025).
Philippine Statistics Authority. Tourism Posted Highest Growth in 2023, Contributing 8.6 % to the Economy. 
Published on 18 June 2024. Available at https://www.psa.gov.ph/statistics/tourism (Accessed on 10 July 2025).
1


Beyond its natural allure, Norzagaray has become a rising commercial and 
economic hub, and its tourism sector is poised for further growth. However, the area 
remains largely undeveloped in terms of infrastructure and formal management, 
making it vulnerable to unregulated tourism and environmental degradation.
This bill seeks to declare the Maramo section of the Angat River System as a 
protected ecotourism destination, to be known as the Maramo Nature Reserve. It 
mandates the creation of a sustainable tourism development plan led by the Municipal 
Government of Norzagaray, in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT), 
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other relevant 
agencies. The plan will ensure the preservation of the area's natural ecosystem while 
enhancing its tourism potential through appropriate infrastructure, promotion, and 
capacity building.
Developing the Little Palawan of Bulacan into an ecotourism destination will not 
only boost the country's GDP but also generate more employment, especially for locals 
in the area.
This measure affirms the State's commitment to sustainable tourism 
development, environmental protection, and inclusive growth in the countryside. 
Finally, designating the Maramo River as an official ecotourism destination will not 
only preserve its ecological integrity, but also generate livelihood opportunities, 
increase local revenue, and foster environmental stewardship among visitors and 
communities alike.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
joel^llanueva9^


Senate
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
of tl’f ertfftarp
25 AUG-7 P6:15
RECEIVED BY:
Senate Bill No. 1157
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
AN ACT DECLARING THE MARAMO SECTION OF THE ANGAT 
RIVER SYSTEM IN BARANGAY SAN MATEO, MUNICIPALITY OF 
NORZAGARAY, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AN ECOTOURISM 
DESTINATION, TO BE KNOWN AS THE MARAMO NATURE 
RESERVE
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Maramo Nature
2 
Reserve Ecotourism Destination Act."
3 
SEC. 2. Declaration as Ecotourism Zone - The Maramo section of the
4 
Angat River System in Barangay San Mateo, Municipality of Norzagaray, Province
5 
of Bulacan, is hereby declared an ecotourism destination, and shall be known as
6 
the "Maramo Nature Reserve." Pursuant thereto, the Department of Tourism
7 
(DOT) shall support and prioritize the development of the area subject to the rules
8 
and regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones.
9 
SEC. 3. Tourism Development Plan. - Within one (1) year after the
10 
approval of this Act, the Municipal Government of Norzagaray shall, in coordination
11 
with the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and
12 
other concerned government agencies, prepare a tourism development plan which
13 
shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of appropriate facilities
14 
and infrastructure to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said
1


1 
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural
2 
beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further, That the implementation of
3 
the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of the Municipal
4 
Government of Norzagaray.
5 
SEC. 4. Assistance to the Local Government Unit. - The DOT shall
6 
provide technical assistance in tourism capacity building to the Municipal
7 
Government of Norzagaray for the proper implementation of the tourism
8 
development plan. The DOT shall also include the Municipality of Norzagaray in its
9 
national and regional promotion programs.
10 
SEC. 5. Funding. - The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be
11 
included in the annual budget of the Municipal Government of Norzagaray. The
12 
DOT may augment such allocation with internally generated funds.
13 
SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days
14 
from the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal Government of Norzagaray shall, in
15 
consultation with the DOT, DENR and other concerned agencies of the
16 
government, promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation
17 
of this Act.
18 
SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
19 
declared unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected
20 
thereby shall remain in force and effect.
21 
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
22 
executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the
23 
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
24 
SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
25 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
26 
circulation.
Approved,