NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENA]
S.B. No.
of tijP ^ nrt
23 JUL19 R2:47
RECEiVrO BY;
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING LAKE BABABU LOCATED IN BARANGAY MELGAR IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF BASILISA, PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS A TOURIST 
DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 16 of the Philippine Constitution states that "the State shall 
protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology accord 
with the rhythm and harmony of nature."
The Lake Bababu is approximately 650 meters and Is regarded as the longest 
fully submerged underwater cave system in the Philippines. It is one of the most 
unusual lakes because of its meromictic condition, which means that it has both 
freshwater and salt water. The fresh water and saltwater do not mix due to the unique 
formation of its basin, its surface waters, and the chalk-white limestone walls 
surrounding the area. The name Bababu derives from the Cebuano words "baba sa 
buwaya", which translates to crocodile's mouth, referring to the shape of Babas Cove 
to which it is connected.
At present, the Lake Bababu is under the management of the Bababu Ecotourism 
Adventure Park (BEAP) whose members are composed of officers from the local 
government unit of Basilisa and the descendants of the original founder of the lake. 
However, the financial constraints of the local government and BEAP have made regular 
and efficient maintenance difficult to accomplish. Such issues might cause deterioration 
of the lake's fragile nature.


Hence, the bill seeks to declare Lake Bababu, located in Barangay Melgar in the 
Municipality of Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands, as a tourist destination. Such 
declaration shall guarantee sufficiency of funds necessary for the maintenance of the 
Lake Bababu, as well as to ensure that it is being adequately managed and promoted 
through effective tourism development plan. Moreover, this declaration shall likewise 
foster tourism growth in the area while simultaneously minimizing the risk on its natural 
resources.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARCOS


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.B. No. 2330
f^niatL
‘^■(BfUcp of tijc 
. vficiip
23 JUL19 PI2 '47
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
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AN ACT
DECLARING LAKE BABABU LOCATED IN BARANGAY MELGAR IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF BASILISA, PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS A 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. Lake Bababu in Barangay in Barangay Melgar in the Municipality of 
Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands is hereby declared a tourist destination. As such, 
the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall prioritize its development and subject the same 
to the rules and regulations governing tourist destinations.
SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, In collaboration with 
the concerned local government units and agencies of the government, shall prepare a 
tourism development plan that complements the natural qualities of Lake Bababu: 
Provided, That said development plan shall take into account the preservation and 
conversation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further, That 
any and all activities and developments to be implemented in the area shall conform 
with the guidelines for ecotourism development jointly issued by the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the DOT.
SEC. 3. The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall take immediate steps 
in order to implement the tourism development plan. It shall also include Lake Bababu 
in all its national, regional, and local promotion programs.


SEC. 4. The Secretary of Tourism shall include In the Department's program the 
construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate facilities in Lake Bababu, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,