EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No, 1129

Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas

EXPLANATORY NOTE

AN ACT DECLARING THE TAMBALIZA ISLAND IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
CONCEPCION, PROVINCE OF ILOILO AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

The travel and tourism sector contributed a total of Php 3.36 trillion to the
Philippine economy in 2017, accounting for about 21% of the country's gross domestic
product (GDP), according to the latest report from the World Travel and Tourism Council
(WTTC). The sector also directly supported some 2.3 million jobs or about 5.8% of
employment last year. This is expected to rise by 6.6% in 2018 and rise by 2.6% to 3.2
million jobs in 2028.’

The Western Visayas Tourist Arrival Data from DOT Region VI show that a total
of 5.9 million tourists visited the region in 2017 and spent a total of Php 128.46 billion in
terms of tourist receipts. Of this, the Province of lloilo hosted around 1.3 million tourists
in 20172

Certainly, travel and tourism remains one of the largest economic sectors in the
Philippines. The booming travel and tourism sector is currently driving the growth of
Many industries as it continues to create jobs, drive exports and generate prosperity for
the country.

Pursuant to the policy of the State to promote sustainable tourism industry
throughout the country, this bill seeks to declare the Tambaliza Island in the Municipality
of Concepcion, Province of lloilo as an ecotourism zone with the goal of developing and
promoting the island into a tourist destination, generating investments and creating job
Opportunities, and protecting the natural resources within the area

The Tambaliza Island, also known as Pan de Azucar Island, is the largest of 16
Outlying islands of the town of Concepcion and makes up nearly 19 percent of the town's
total land area. The Pan de Azucar Seascape is an area of 2,480.1478 square meters
that includes both land and sea water areas around the island.

* https://www.wtte.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/countries
2018/philippines2018, pdf
* Official Western Visayas 2017 Tourist Arrivals Data


The Tambaliza Island is politically located in the Municipality of Concepcion and
is composed of the following barangays: (1) Brgy. Macatunao; (2) Brgy. Talutuan; and
(3) Brgy. Tambaliza. The Mt. Pan de Azucar (also called Mt. Manaphag) is the most
prominent feature and distinguishable landmark of the island. The island is ringed by
beaches, such as Lumpatan Beach in Bagotao, Brgy. Macatunao which are golden-
yellow to white in color.

This bill is in line with the National Tourism Development Plan of the government
which supports the development of Philippine tourism product and raises the
competitiveness of the Philippines as a tourism destination

The bill was deliberated and approved on Third Reading by the House of
Representatives during the 17 Congress.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate consideration and passage of the bill is

earnestly sought.
RAUL ope TUPAS


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No, 1129

Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas

AN ACT DECLARING THE TAMBALIZA ISLAND IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
CONCEPCION, PROVINCE OF ILOILO AS 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 the “Tambaliza Island Ecotourism Zone Act.”

SECTION 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.

SECTION 3. The Tambaliza Island consisting of three (3) barangays, namely, Brgy.
Macatunao, Brgy. Talutuan, and Brgy. Tambaliza located in the Municipality of
Concepcion, Province of lloilo, is hereby declared as an ecotourism Zone, to be known
as Tambaliza Island Ecotourism Zone. 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 ecotourism zones.

The DOT shall prepare the development plan for Tambaliza Island and shall
incorporate the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan. The plan shall
be implemented jointly with the Municipality of Concepcion, the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Tourism Infrastructure and
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA),

The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Concepcion, the DENR, the
TIEZA and other concerned agencies of the government, shall delineate well-defined
geographic areas within the Tambaliza Island Ecotourism Zone and coordinate the
integrated development of the area for the optimum use of natural assets and
attractions. The development shall ensure the preservation of the flora and fauna and
perpetuate the historic significance of the identified tourist attractions.

SECTION 4. The Secretaries of the DOT, DENR and the Chief Operating Officer of the
TIEZA shall include in their respective programs the implementation of this Act, the


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funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and
internally generate funds of the DOT.

SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the
DOT, in consultation with the DENR, the TIEZA and the Municipality of Concepcion,
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of
this Act.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least
two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,