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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 402 6

Introduced by Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Philippines continue to thrive as one of the best tourism destinations in the world, being
home to spectacular natural wonders. As a pillar of economic growth, tourism remains to be a
Promising industry that generates employment and investment opportunities in the country,
while preserving and developing our natural wealth for the succeeding generations.

Comprising the whole of Maestre de Campo Island, the Municipality of Concepcion of
the Province of Romblon was named after the Immaculate Concepcion. It started as a small
village founded in 1570 by Spanish conquistadores, Martin de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo, as
part of Banton Island and later incorporated to Romblon after the latter’s reinstatement as a
separate province in 1917. It is divided into 9 barangays, including Bachawan, Calabasahan,
Dalajican, Masudsud, Poblacion, Sampong, San Pedro, San Vicente, and Masadya, each having

its own unique cove.

While the island is largely untouched, itis yet to be discovered as a perfect escape from
the hustle and bustle, with the same precious gems as crystal-clear turquoise waters and
impressive rock formations found in some of the famous destinations in the country. With
unspoiled white sand beaches, like Guiwanon, Tonggo, and Tabunan, Concepcion stands to be
a perfect choice for a peaceful, yet memorable summer adventure. The island offers a variety
of experience for tourists like mountain biking and hiking, while enjoying the rest of the
island’s panoramic viewpoints. Ultimately, with fifteen (15) dive sites identified around the
island, it is a potential diving sanctuary of the country, where tourists can marvel at the beauty
of its underwater landscape and rich biodiversity that continue to lure underwater
photographers.

It 1s only telling that the declaration of the Municipality of Concepcion as a tourism
development area is timely and necessary to continue to preserve and develop its natural
beauty, while achieving its fullest potential as a top tier tourism product in the country. Hence,
this bill is earnestly recommended for immediate approval.

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ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.4 026

Introduced by Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF CONCEPCION, PROVINCE OF
ROMBLON, A TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA

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

SECTION 1. The Municipality of Concepcion, Province of Romblon, is hereby
declared a tourism development area (TDA).

SEC. 2. The Concepcion TDA shall include the following areas within the
municipality, which are endowed with scenic landscapes, natural attractions, rich biodiversity,
and historical significance:

(a) The sanctuary of two sunken vessels, including a Japanese warship;

(b) Tiniguiban Falls;

(©) The cove, which resembles the Manila Bay, in Barangay Poblacion;

(d) Bagulayag Point;

(©) White sand beaches, including Guiwanon, Tonggo, and Tabunan;

(©) Rock formations, including Lambirongan Stone Arch; and

(g) Fifteen (15) identified diving sites, including the so-called Coral Cathedral.


Pursuant thereto, the development of these areas shall be prioritized and supported by
the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of tourism development areas.

SEC. 3. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the Municipal Government
of Concepcion shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, and concemed agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan
that shall include the construction, installation, and maintenance of such appropriate
infrastructure and facilities to enhance tourism in the Municipality of Concepcion, particularly
in identified areas for tourism development: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure
the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the areas: Provided,
‘further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the
budget of the Municipal Government of Concepcion.

SEC. 4, The DOT shall assist the Municipal Goverment of Concepcion in the
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism
capacity building. It shall also include the Municipality of Concepcion in its national and
regional promotion programs.

SEC. 5. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
budget of the Municipal Government of Concepcion.

‘The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA),
if necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA’s program.

SEC. 6. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal
Government of Concepcion shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the
government, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 7. Ifany provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other

provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.


SEC. 8. All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other issuances
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended
accordingly.

SEC. 9. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,