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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2429

Tniroduced by Hon. Cyrille “Beng” F. Abueg-Zaldivar

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the “Tourism Act of 2009,” provides
that “the State declares tourism as an indispensable element of the national economy
and industry of national interest and importance, which must be harnessed as an engine
of socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign
exchange and employment, and to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all
Filipinos.”

It is within this framework that this bill seeks to declare Mudlom Cave in
Barangay Isugod, Municipality of Quezon, Province of Palawan as a tourist destination.
Please note that this cave has already been surveyed and assessed by the Palawan
Council for Sustainable Development.

Through its declaration, the Department of Tourism will include this tourist site
in the Department's programs and projects, aside from boosting its promotion. As a
result of its further development, it would potentially enhance the standard of living of
the populace, increase the revenues of the municipality and the province, intensify
infrastructure development, improve the quality of life of the community, and preserve
the site as an excellent example of nature.

Mudlom Cave is located four (4) kilometers away from the barangay proper and
is situated nearby with the Sangaran Ark Cave. Through hiking, it can be reached by
traversing a 45-degree climb and 10 minute tread down the Maritub River that separates
both caves. The cave surrounding is canyon-like. The interior of the cave contains an
array of amazing rock formations and astonishing roofs as tall and as wide as the domes
of churches. The area displays breathtaking attractions that could easily become
enjoyable options for adventurers and local tourists.

It is worth noting that this measure was filed by former Deputy Speaker
Frederick F. Abueg, and approved, and transmitted to the Senate in the Seventeenth

Congress.


Considering the significance of the measure, its passage into law is earnestly

sought.

CYRILLE andl? ‘ABUEG-ZALDIVAR

Representative, 2™ District of Palawan


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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2420

Introduced by Hon. Cyrille F, Abueg-Zaldivar

DECLARING MUDLOM CAVE RNAS MUNICIPALITY OF QUEZON,

PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AS TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR

ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Mudlom Cave in the Municipality of Quezon, Province of
Palawan is hereby declared a tourist destination. As such, its development shall be
prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and
regulations governing the development of tourist destinations.

Sec. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in
coordination with the concerned local government units and agencies of the
government, shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction,
installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure as shall

encourage tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the

preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area.


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Sec. 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development plan
that will suit the natural characteristic of Mudlom Cave, and shall incorporate the same
in its tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year. It shall also include
the Mudlom Cave in all its national, regional and local promotion programs.

Sec 4. 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.

Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
the DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders or parts
thereof inconsistent with this Act, are hereby amended accordingly.

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

Approved,