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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _1489

Introduced by Representative ANTONINO B. ROMAN III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani, Province of
Bataan as eco-tourism zone. It was approved on third reading during the 18" Congress and
‘was transmitted to the Senate.

It is the policy of the State to accord priority status to sustainable, vibrant and
profitable tourism development as one of the engines of socio-economic growth and cultural
affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and employment. Environmentally
sound and community participatory tourism programs have spurred socio and economic
development in the tourism industry. In today's growth trend, the problem of unemployment

remail

unresolved. Tourism-related sector is becoming an increasingly important source
of economic prosperity by way of creating job opportunities. The total number of arrivals
of tourists and sightscers to the Philippines has greatly contributed to the improved economy

and to our country’s status as a rising tourist destination.

Part of the Bataan National Park, one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in
Bataan for its serene and natural beauty and unique terrain, is located in Barangay Tala.
Barangay Tala is also famous because of the Sinagtala Farm Resort and Retreat Park. The
declaration of Barangay Tala as local eco-tourism zone will definitely help enhance its
continued tourism viability. Further, Barangay Tala could be easily developed into a first-
class eco-tourism zone if it is equipped with amenities and facilities complementing its full

potential as a tourism venue


‘The lack of allied infrastructure and facilities such as hotels, lodges, camps, potable
water supply and public transportation hinder the socio-economic and environmental
development of the area. Developing this barangay into an eco-tourism zone will mold and
enhance a sense of history and pride for all residents of Tala and neighboring communities,
thereby promoting the Bataan National Park as a tourist destination. Further, it will provide
employment opportunities to local residents and with the influx of tourists, the eco-tourism

zone will be a significant source of business opportunities.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ANTONINO B. ROMAN IIT


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _1489

Introduced by Representative ANTONINO B. ROMAN III

AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY TALA IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ORANI,
PROVINCE OF BATAAN AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as “Tala Ecotourism Zone Act.”

SEC. 2. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote a tourism industry
that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally-sensitive,
economically viable and equitably beneficial to local communities.

SEC. 3. Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani, Province of Bataan is hereby
declared an ecotourism zone. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development
of ecotourism zones.

The DOT shall prepare the development plan for Barangay Tala and shall
incorporate the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant
to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009.” The plan shall
be implemented jointly with the Municipality of Orani, the local Protected Area
Management Board (PAMB), the Bataan National Park (BNP) and the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Orani, PAMB, BNP, TIEZA and
other concemed agencies of the government, shall identify well-defined geographic areas
within Barangay Tala ecotourism zone, which shall include the Bataan National Park and
existing infrastructure and facilities therein, and ensure the integrated development of these
areas for the optimum utilization of natural assets and attractions, as well as the preservation
of their historic significance.


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 after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the
DOT, in consultation with the Municipality of Orani, PAMB, BNP, TIEZA, shall promulgate
the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations and other issuances, or parts
thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified 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,