Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Meteo Manila

Seventeenth Congress
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. S201

Introduced by Representative Benjamin C. Agarao, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Cavinti Underground River and Cave
Complex in the Municipality of Cavinti, Province of Laguna as an ecotourism
site.

The Cavinti Underground River and Cave Complex has immense
potential for tourism. This limestone cave complex which was first explored
sometime in the 1940s is categorically classified as a Class II subterranean.
ecological designation for ecotourism. Its physical features are a combination
of twilight zonings near its openings and dark zones in the inner portion. The
cave’s inner surroundings are covered by numerous stalactites and stalagmites
with various column formations. In the middle of the cave’s first chamber is a
twin falls, Since the cave has just been discovered recently, it still has several
chambers yet to be explored. The cave is also naturally interconnected to the
Lalangawan River to which many hydrologic features are entirely dependent.

Surrounding the cave is an equally rich and thriving, almost undisturbed
ecosystem. At least 34 species of premium hardwood trees can be found around
the cave, including Narra, Red Lauan and Kamagong. There are also a number
of softwood species. Faunal component consists of species classified as
endangered, nearly-threatened, and vulnerable dwelling inside and outside the
cave.

Establishing the Cavinti Underground River and Cave Complex as a
premier ecotourism site would mean more income for the locals. However, the
influx of visitors must be balanced with the preservation of the cave complex
since ecotourism makes the environment vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.


Without a proper management and conservation plan integrated in the tourism
development roadmap, the beauty of the cave complex is bound to fade to
oblivion.

Through this bill, a tourism development plan for the Cavinti
Underground River and Cave Complex must be prepared. This document will
provide infrastructure and facilities that can further boost tourism in the area
while still preserving the environmental integrity of the cave complex. The
development plan will also include what we consider as the most important
partner in this tourism development endeavor — the people. The people of
Cavinti must likewise be prepared to handle the volume of tourists and must be
well educated on how the cave complex must be protected.

In view of the foregoing, approval of the bill is earnestly sought.

=“
B C. AGARAO, JR.


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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Mavila

Seventeenth Congress
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. UEP

Introduced by Representative Benjamin C. Agarao, Jr.

AN ACT
DECLARING THE CAVINTI UNDERGROUND RIVER AND CAVE
COMPLEX AS AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. — 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
equitable for local communities.

SEC. 2. Cavinti Cave Complex Ecotourism Site. — The Cavinti
Underground River and Cave Complex in the Municipality of Cavinti, Province
of Laguna is hereby declared as an ecotourism site, and shall be accorded
priority development by the Department of Tourism.

Within one year from the approval of this Act, the Department of
Tourism, in consultation with the Municipality of Cavinti, shall prepare the

development plan for the Cavinti Underground River and Cave Complex.


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The plan shall be implemented jointly with the Municipality of Cavinti and the
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), in coordination
with the Department of Public Works and Highways. The tourism development
plan shall provide for the:

(a) Construction, installation and maintenance of appropriate facilities
and infrastructure to encourage tourism in the area;

(b) Comprehensive environmental protection and management plan to
preserve the site’s biodiversity and the integrity of its ecosystem; and

(c) Community preparation plan to include the local folks in managing,
operating and caring for the cave complex as an ecotourism site.

SEC. 3. The Department of Tourism shall take immediate steps to
expedite the implementation of the development plan for the Cavinti
Underground River and Cave Complex, and incorporate the same in the
National Tourism Development Plan, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593,
otherwise known as the “Tourism Act of 2009.”

SEC. 4. Boundaries. — The Department of Tourism, in coordination with
the Municipality of Cavinti, the TIEZA and other appropriate agencies of the
government, shall identify well defined geographic areas within the Cavinti
Underground River and Cave Complex ecotourism site and coordinate the
integrated development of these areas for the optimum utilization of natural

assets and attractions, as well as existing infrastructure and facilities. The


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development plan shall ensure the preservation of the scenery and the historic
significance of the identified ecotourism site. .

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of
Tourism shall, in consultation with the Municipality of Cavinti, the TIEZA and
other tourism stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for
the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. — The initial amount necessary for the
development of the Cavinti Underground River and Cave Complex as an
ecotourism site shall be charged to the current year’s appropriations for the
Department of Tourism under the General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such
sum as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential
decrees, rules and regulations and other issuances contrary to or inconsistent
with this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,