Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No,_ 6101

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Unknown to many but are exponentially gaining attention, Porta Vega Beach is a haven, both
among tourists and locals, and is full of economic potential. Situated in Barangay Cadulan,
Municipality of Dimasalang in the Province of Masbate, the Porta Vega Beach is relatively easy
to reach and is naturally gifted with a wide stretch of fine, powdery white sand, a green
landscape lined with short Coconut and Talisay trees, crystal clear waters shallow enough to
reveal the marine life underneath, and most of all, extremely warm-welcoming people.

Despite the fact that it can compete with popular beach destinations, this natural treasure remain
underdeveloped. The slow progress in the area can be traced to non-existent attention coming
from the national government

Considering that it is a policy of the State to undertake the sustainable development of the
environment simultaneously with the right of the people to a healthy and balanced ecology, it is
imperative that the national government provide the needed care and attention to Porta Vega
Beach. In order to achieve these goals, Porta Vega Beach should be declared as an ecotourism
spot wherein an ecotourism council will be established to steer the area to fame and progress
while maintaining the sanctity of its natural resources. Hence, the passage of this bill is urgently
sought

SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.
Representative
Third District, Province of Masbate


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

6101

House Bill No.

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANET

AN ACT DECLARING THE PORTA VEGA BEACH AND ITS PREMISES AS AN
ECOTOURISM SITE, ESTABLISHING THE PORTA VEGA ECOTOURISM
COUNCIL, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, 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 “Porta Vega Ecotourism Act.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure the right of
the people to a balanced and healthful ecology through the promotion of activities designed for
environmental protection and conservation.

Sec. 3. The Porta Vega Ecotourism Council. There is hereby created an ecotourism council, to
be known as the Porta Vega Ecotourism Council, hereinafter known as the Council to be
composed of one representative each from accredited non-government organizations and
people’s organizations engaged in ecotourism, one recognized indigenous people’s federation,
reputable travel organizations, the academe, and the local chief executive of the Municipality of
Dimasalang who shall sit as the chairman of the Council

Dimasalang’s local legislative body shall appoint the members of the Council for a term of five
(5) years, renewable for one term.

The Department of Tourism and Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall assist
the Council in its task of pursuing the objectives of this Act

Sec. 5. Functions and Responsibilities of the Council. The Council shall be responsible for the
following

a. Study, adopt, and from time to time update an Ecotourism Master plan and
supervise the implementation of the corresponding programs and activities
therein,


b. Assess and evaluate the potential impact of development to the environmental
safety and well-being of the site;

¢. Conduct consultations with the local residents of the site to be affected by
ecotourism development to assimilate their cultural values and beliefs in the
master plan and other programs,

d. Provide technical and financial assistance to communities in the site,

e. Formulate rules and regulations which shall prohibit illegal fishing and related
activities;

f Perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of
this Act.

Sec, 6. Ecotourism Fund. To carry out the purposes of this Act, there shall be created a special
fund called the Porta Vega Ecotourism Fund, which shall be sourced from at least 40% of the
environmental fee, which shall be collected by the Council from all visiting tourists,

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or
invalid, other provisions, which are not affected thereby, shall continue to be in full force and
effect.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly

Sec. 9. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.