Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

18™™ CONGRESS
First Regular Session

622

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HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative CARLITO S. MARQUEZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare The Bakhawan Eco-Park in New
Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan as a special ecological tourism zone to
help promote and develop the area as a special ecological tourism
zone to help promote and develop the area as a tourist destination
and to assist the area generate investments that would provide
employment opportunities for local residents, given that the influx
of tourists would make the ecotourism zone a significant source of
business opportunities while protecting its natural habitat. This
was approved on Third Reading on January 22, 2018 but was not
tackled in the Senate due to lack of material time.

Ecotourism pertains to a nature-based, educational
experience of the environment. A boost in educational ecotourism
aims to strengthen and heighten environmental awareness in
tourists by renewing their appreciation and understanding of
nature’s beauty and diversity. It is defined by the International
Ecotourism Society (IES) as responsible travel to natural areas that
conserve the environment and perk up the welfare of local people.

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These destinations are often remote areas, whether inhabited or
uninhabited, and are usually under some kind of environmental
protection at the national, international, communal or private
level. It denotes education for both tourists and residents of nearby
communities as tour operators should formulate and apply a code
of conduct for both the traveler and the industry itself to minimize

their negative impacts on sensitive environments.

The Philippines is a prime ecotourism destination for nature
lovers looking to escape from the stresses of our fast-paced modern
society. Ecotourism, as part of a larger tourism campaign of the
government, will offer both local and foreign visitors a glimpse of
the country’s natural beauty while keeping it preserved. Citing
Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, it declares tourism
as an indispensable element of the national economy and an
industry of national interest and importance. We should look for
every opportunity for greater growth and competitive strength
serving the globalized world. We must seek creative ways to
showcase the country and prove that it is indeed worth visiting and

investing in.

Bakhawan is a local Visayan term for mangroves. Not remote
from the town of Kalibo where thud and thump of the drum for the
Ate-Atihan Festival resonates, glimmers the Bakhawan Eco-Park,
a sprawling 220-hectare forest of mangroves located at the outskirt
of Kalibo. Twenty-six years ago, the whole sphere is a barren
coastline and mud flat, totally unshielded from the harsh

rudiments of the sea. It has been transformed into a mangrove


haven by the Aklanons, led by the Kalibo Save the Mangroves
Association (KASAMA), a non-government organization, with the
help of the local government of Kalibo and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Today, the place is
teeming with life after it is officially opened to the public in April
2008, as a tribute of Akean to the occasion of World Earth Day.
The centerpiece of this man-made forest is a 1.3-kilometer bamboo
trail that takes visitors deep into the tranquil, unflustered spot.
Once can easily appreciate the splendor of the mouth of Aklan
River that strolls alongside these thousands of mangroves swaying
and chirping birds’ sound music to the ears that breaks the
serenity of this scenic place. In trekking the park, as you saunter
on the bamboo trail, marvelously arranged mangrove trees will
delight your eyes, the smell of fresh and clean air will permeate
your nostril as light wind caresses your skin that will leave a

comforting feeling on your being.

Besides the lush mangroves is also home to various species
of birds, including migratory ones and marine species. Mudcrabs
are also regularly caught here by the locals. Tamiloks or
woodworms also abound. In fact, you can even ask for a
demonstration and eat one yourself. Blue that illuminates the color
of the sky and color of the sea, green that painted the plants and
forest, brown that gives a melancholic effect to the solid ground
and yellow, the color of the sun that is the main source of light are
the colors of nature that provides an antidote to the gloomy soul of
Bakhawan Park. This place will never fail to amaze the nature lover

out there.


At the end of the shaky wooden bridge at the end of the trail,
you can savor the scent of the calm Sibuyan Sea that kisses the
blue sky while listening to whispers of the bakhawan leaves. The
eco-park is a perfect place to take a break from the hustle and
bustle of urban life. It is a sanctuary where one could enjoy
peacefulness in the arms of Mother Nature.

The successful Mangrove Project proved to be an eco-friendly
and sustainable solution to both security during calamities and a
source of income and food for the locals. In fact, the project, the
organizations, and individuals has received awards in recognition
of the town’s environmentalism initiatives, the hard work, the ups
and downs encountered, and of course, the triumph. Bakhawan
Eco-Park & Research Center is truly a vital contribution to the
society and sets a benchmark for a greener Philippines. The United
Nations’ FAO acclaimed this as one of the exemplary forests

managed in the whole of Asia and the Pacific.

With its impeccable beauty, the eco-park is an ideal tourist
destination. The rich biodiversity truly reflects the beauty of a
paradise that our country should be proud of. However, the lack
of tourist facilities - such as lodging houses and retail outlets an
round-the-clock public transportation — hinder the socio-economic
and environmental development of the area. These problems,
however, can be properly addressed once the eco-park becomes an
ecotourism zone which, shall be accorded priority development by
the Department of Tourism (DOT).


The beauty of the eco-park shall be pursued in the
development and management of the tourism industry in the area
such as the integrity of its ecology and environment. The measure
will develop and promote responsible, community-based,
ecological-cultural tourism as the core management strategy in the
development and growth of Bakhawan Eco-Park. While
infrastructure, human capital, and tourism products and
programs are being developed, the importance of sustaining the
biodiversity is a sanctuary and remains a key priority in the

development of the place.

The bill shall guarantee that the financial and economic
benefits of the tourism industry in the area are equitably shared
by, and distributed among, the residents of Barangay Buswang
and local residents by giving preference and support to
community-and-home-based tourism enterprises, such as micro
and small businesses like local inns, lodges and homestays,
restaurants, food and fruit stands, arts and craft shops, and
similar tourism-oriented industries and businesses. Under the
measure, community-based tourism refers to a form of tourism
where the local community and its residents have substantial
control over and involvement in the development and management
of the local tourism industry and a greater proportion of the

economic gains remain within the community.

It shall also provide to ensure that the quality of local tourism

programs and activities are educational and enriching for tourists


and visitors through orientation, educational and tour programs
by local tour operators, non-government organizations (NGOs),
local government units (LGUs) and the DOT. Likewise, in order to
guarantee the development and promotion of the local tourism
industry, the LGU is directed to ensure that the needs of local
residents in the area of water supply, food, energy and local
construction materials are first secured and met. The DOT, in
coordination with the DENR, the Kalibo Save the Mangroves
Association, shall be complemented by a set of guidelines and

standards for a responsible community-based ecotourism.

When the bill is enacted into a law, it will mandate the DOT
to prepare, in coordination with the local government and other
agencies, a development plan involving the construction,
installation and maintenance of appropriate faculties and

infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in the area.

The development plan, it said, shall ensure the preservation
and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of
the area giving consideration to the formulation, development, and
implementation of programs and strategies that will generate
livelihood and employment opportunities for the local inhabitants.

The DOT will likewise be mandated to implement the tourism
development plan that will suit the natural characteristics of the
area and shall incorporate the same in the overall development

plans and programs for national implementation.


Immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Sa ae eee

ENGR. CARLITO “Lito” MARQUEZ


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

18™ CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no. 9522

Introduced by Representative CARLITO S. MARQUEZ

AN ACT
DECLARING THE BAKHAWAN ECO-PARK IN BARANGAY NEW
BUSWANG, MUNICIPALITY OF KALIBO, PROVINCE OF AKLAN,
AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State is mandated
to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable,
responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable
and equitably beneficial to local communities.

Sec. 2. Bakhawan Eco-Park Ecotourism Zone. —- The
Bakhawan Eco-Park in Barangay New Buswang, Municipality of

Kalibo, Province of Aklan is hereby declared a community-based

ecotourism zone. As such, its development shall be prioritized by


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the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and

regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones.

Sec. 3. Objectives. - Pursuant to the above declaration of

policy, the State shall seek to:

(a)

(b)

()

(a)

develop and promote responsible “community-based
ecological tourism” as the core management strategy in
the development of the Bakhawan Eco-Park;

ensure the conservation of the biodiversity and the
preservation of said eco-park;

develop tourism products and programs that shall
generate employment and livelihood for the local
residents and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
concerned, consistent with the preservation and
maintenance of the mangrove forest;

guarantee that the financial and economic benefits of
the tourism industry are equitably shared by and
distributed among the local residents and NGOs
concerned, by giving preference and support to
community- and home-based tourism enterprises, such
as micro and small businesses, like local inns, lodges

and homestays, restaurants, food and fruit stands, and


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(e)

a)

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other similar tourism-oriented industries and
businesses;

ensure that the quality of local tourism programs and
activities are educational and enriching for tourists and
visitors through the provision of orientation,
educational and tour programs by local tour operators,
NGOs, the municipal government of Kalibo and the
DOT; and

guarantee that, in the development and promotion of
the local tourism industry, the municipal government of
Kalibo ensures that the need of local residents for water,
food, energy and local construction materials is
adequately met.

4. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:
Biodiversity conservation refers to the practice of
preserving the variety of species, habits and
ecosystems, and genetic diversity of the place, including
inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic
ecosystems, and the ecological complexes which they

are a part of;


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b)

ro)

dq)

e)

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Community-based tourism refers to a form of tourism
where the local community and its residents have
substantial control over and involvement in the
development and management of the local tourism
industry and a greater portion of the economic gains
remain within the community;

Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism
within a natural area where community participation,
protection and management of natural resources,
cultural and indigenous knowledge and _ practices,
environmental education and ethics, as well as
economic benefits are fostered and pursued for the
enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of
visitors;

Homestay refers to a system of tourist accommodation
where a tourist stays with local residents and
experiences the day-to-day life of the residents of the
Bakhawan Eco-Park community, Barangay New
Buswang and the Municipality of Kalibo; and
Responsible ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable

tourism in which both the tourism sector and the

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tourists take responsibility in the protection, respect,
and conservation of the natural environment and the
local culture and ways of life, and where community
participation as well as economic benefits are fostered
and pursued for the well-being of the local people in
Barangay New Buswang and visitors.

Sec. 5. Scope and Coverage. - This Act shall cover the
boundaries of the 220-hectare mangrove forest of the Bakhawan
Eco-Park at Barangay New Buswang, Municipality of Kalibo,
Province of Aklan.

The setting of technical boundaries of the ecotourism zone
shall be undertaken by the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) and other concerned agencies.

Sec. 6. Tourism Development Plan for the Bakhawan Eco-
Park. - The DOT, in coordination with the DENR, shall assist the
municipal government of Kalibo in the formulation of a Tourism
Development Plan for the Bakhawan Eco-Park that shall be
complemented by a set of guidelines for a responsible, community-
based ecotourism.

The Tourism Development Plan shall ensure the preservation

of the area and shall include the following components:

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2.

(a)
(b)
()
(@)
(e)

(2)

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Carrying capacity of the eco-park;

Specific site assessment;

Identification of strategic priorities;

Product development plans for local income generation;
Capacity-building for the local community so residents
therein can ably manage economically viable and
responsible, community-based ecotourism business
enterprises;

Strategies to promote the formulation of local
production groups and networks, including the
marketing and pricing of products; and

Marketing strategies that uphold the natural, social and
environmental integrity of the Bakhawan Eco-Park and

its local residents.

The process of formulating the Tourism Development Plan for

the Bakhawan Eco-Park shall be participatory, with the framework

to be provided by the DOT and the DENR, in consultation with the

local governments of Kalibo and Barangay New Buswang.

Sec. 7. Formulation of Guidelines and Standards. - The

concerned Protected Area Management Board of the DENR and the

local tourism council, in coordination with the local governments

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of Kalibo and Barangay New Buswang, shall assist in the

formulation of local tourism standards, ensuring that

environmental protection is integrated in the development of

ecotourism plans.

These local tourism standards shall:

(a)

(b)

(

(a)

(e)

raise the capacity of all stakeholders and ensure that
best practices are followed;

ensure optional use of water and energy;

reduce waste and pollution through the encouragement
and recycling and environmentally-sound waste
management disposal schemes, with a principle of
taking as much waste away from the eco-park as
possible;

prevent vandalism in the facilities of the eco-park; and
encourage the use of local produce and services, and

support the employment of local people.

Sec. 8. Coordination with National Agencies.- The DOT shall

closely coordinate with the municipal government of Kalibo, as well

as the regional offices of the DENR, the Department of Labor and

Employment, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the

Department of Transportation, the Department of Agriculture, the

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Department of Education, the Department of Trade and Industry,
the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine
National Police, the Maritime Industry Authority, and other line
agencies of the government in the implementation of this Act.

Sec. 9. 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 from internally generated funds of the
DOT.

Sec. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty
(30) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, the DENR, in
consultation with the municipal government of Kalibo and other
concerned government agencies and _ stakeholders, shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

Sec. 11. Separability Clause.- If, for any reason, any
provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to
be in full force and effect.

Sec. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive

orders, proclamation and administrative regulations, or parts

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thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

Sec. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any
newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.

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