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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS,
Second Regular Session

House Brit No. 7951

Introduced by Representative ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Constitution provides that the State shall protect and advance the
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm
and harmony of nature (Section 16, Article II)

This bill seeks to declare Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Barangay
San Antonio, Cabagan, Province of Isabela as ecotourism site.

Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as Critical Habitat by
virtue of Department of Environment (DENR) Administrative Order No, 2012-01 in
order to protect the habitat and population of the endemic and threatened Philippine
Wild Duck (Anasluzonica) and other migratory water bird species dependent on the
area.It covers an approximate area of one hundred seventy-eight and 80/100
(178.80) hectares. The sanctuary has three (3) lagoons namely Melasi Lake Dakal,
Malasi Lake Baddi and Macabanning which have been used as habitat of the
Philippine Wild Duck and other migratory birds.

The declaration of the Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary as Biodiversity
and Eco-tourism site willhelp conserve, protect, manage and develop the natural
resources found therein. It will likewise generate employment opportunities for the
locals in the area that will help them improve their socio-economic condition.

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

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ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO.


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7551

Introduced by Representative ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO

AN ACT
DECLARING MALASI TREE PARK AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY IN BARANGAY
SAN ANTONIO, CABAGAN, PROVINCE OF ISABELA AS AN ECO-TOURISM
SITE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Malasi Tree Park and
Wildlife Sanctuary Act of 2020”.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State is mandated to promote a tourism
industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive,
economically viable, and equitable for the local community. Towards this end, the
Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is hereby declared as a special ecotourism
zone, where the responsible and sustainable use of the natural resources therein is
encouraged and will be strictly implemented.

Section 3. Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Ecotourism Site. The Malasi
‘Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is hereby declared as an ecotourism site and its
development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and shall be subject to the
rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites.

Section 4. Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Development Council. A multi-
sectoral council to be known as “Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Development
Council” shall be created, whose term of office of members shall be co-terminus with the
incumbent Municipal Mayor of Cabagan, Isabela. It shall be composed of the following:

a. Arepresentative from the Office of the Mayor of the Municipality of Cabagan,
as Chairperson;

b. The Head of the Municipal Tourism Office;

c. The Head of the Cabagan Municipal Environment and Natural Resources
Office;

d. Arepresentative from the DOT;


e. Arepresentative from the DENR;
f. Two (2) representatives from the private sector in the Province of Isabela.

Section 5. Function and Responsibilities of the Council. The Council shall have the
following functions:

a. Formulation and implementation of the Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife
Sanctuary Development Plan in consultation with the local residents,
businesses and other stakeholders;

b. Assessment and evaluation of the potential impact of the development to the
environmental safety and well-being of the site, communities and
enterprises;

c. Provision of technical and financial assistance to the communities within the
site;

d. Formulation of rules and regulations in relation to the maintenance and
security of the ecotourism site; and

e. Performance of other functions as may be necessary to carry out the
objectives of this Act.

Section 6. Appropriations. The Secretaries of the DOT and the DENR shall include
in their respective Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of
which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and from generated
funds of the DOT.

Section 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Cabagan, the
DENR, and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), shall
promulgate thee rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act.

The DOT shall be the agency which shall take care of planning, implementing
coordinating and monitoring the provisions of this Ac

Section 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force
and effect.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive
orders or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby modified or amended
accordingly.

Section 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,