Republic ofthe Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill Nod271

Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOSE PANGANIBAN IN THE PROVINCE OF
CAMARINES NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Camarines Norte has been identified in the Department of Tourism’s National Tourism Masterplan as a
Tourism Development Area, This designation signals the importance to lay down measures which will
improve and enhance the tourism capabilties ofthe province to goals of the Masterplan,

Indeed Camarines Norte is stil a vastly untapped tourism destination and surely, among the many towns
in Camarines Norte, the town of Jose Panganiban is definitely one of those that stands out with respect
to ecotourism potential.

Jose Panganiban boasts of Parola Island, Calalanay Island, Isla ni Cion, Pag-asa Beach and Bulalacao
Beach that are still widely untapped due to lack of adequate tourism infrastructure.

In light of the huge potential of the Municipality of Jose Panganiban to become a top tourist destination,
itis hereby sought it be declared as an Ecotourism Zone, The passage of this bill will surely create new
jobs, improve the local livelihood and will be beneficial for the domestic economy.

{n view of the foregoing, the passage of ths bill is eamestly sought.

HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO
Representative
4 District, Camarines Norte


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.32 a
Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOSE PANGANIBAN IN THE PROVINCE OF
CAMARINES NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 4. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Jose Panganiban Ecotourism Act of 2025".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote a sustainable
and effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and foreign, Towards this end, the country
should rationalize all efforts to make the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for
‘economic development. Moreover, measures should be taken to ensure that tourism development would
be done with a view on the preservation of the existing ecosystem and natural environment.

SECTION 3. Jose Panganiban Ecotourism Zone. The Municipality of Jose Panganiban in the Province
of Camarines Norte is hereby declared as an Ecotourism Zone. As such, its development shall be
prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concemed agencies, subject to the rules and
regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones.

In particular, the development of the following areas will be given focus by the DOT, the concerned
government agencies and also the Municipality of Jose Panganiban, Province of Camarines Norte, to wit:

a. Parola Istand;
b.Calalanay Island;
c.Isla ni Cion;
d,Pag-asa Beach; and
e.Bulalacao Beach.

SECTION 4, Ecotourism Governing Board. - Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, there shall
be created the Jose Panganiban Ecotourism Governing Board, to be composed of the following:

a. Mayor of the Municipality of Jose Panganiban, as ex-officio Chairperson

b.Secretary of the Department of Tourism or a duly-authorized representative, as member;

c.Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or a duly-authorized
representative, as member,


d.Representative of the 1* District of Camarines Norte or a duly-authorized representative, as
member;

e.Representative from an accredited non-govemmental organization whose advocacy is
environmental preservation, as member,

f, Representative of the academe, as member; and

g. Representative from the business sector, as member.

The Board shall prepare the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act
and shall, when necessary, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet existing needs.

The Municipal Government of Jose Panganiban shall provide a secretariat for the Board including the
funding necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its official functions and activities.

SECTION 5. Ecotourism Development Pan. — Within one (1) year from the approval ofthis Act, the DOT,
in coordination with the local govemmment unit of Jose Panganiban, the Representative of the 1 District
of Camarines Norte and other concemed government agencies, shall prepare an ecotourism
development plan containing, among others, the construction, installation and maintenance of such
appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall enhance tourism in the Municipality of Jose Panganiban,
particularly in the areas mentioned in Section 3 hereof; Provided, that the said development plan shall
ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality.

SECTION 6. Implementation of the Plan, The DOT shall take immediate steps in implementing the
‘ecotourism development plan and incorporate the same in its overall development plans and programs
for national implementation.

SECTION 7, 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 intemally generated funds of the DOT.

‘SECTION 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid,
the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

‘SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other issuances
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly,

SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.