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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 5264

Introduced by Representative Sol Aragones

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Municipality of Rizal in the Province of Laguna is a Sth class municipality in the
province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 17,253
people.

As a tourist destination, Rizal is known for the serene and breath-taking views of its
vast nature and wildlife parks. Rizal is also known as a source of the freshest vegetables in the
market. The vast land area of its parks and fertile lands have provided food and livelihood for
its citizens for years. For the town to further improve economically and push for positive and
sustainable development, its natural assets must be protected.

This proposal seeks to declare the Municipality of Rizal as an ecotourism zone and
appropriate funds for the purpose. With the proposal to develop Rizal into an ecotourism zone,
‘we hope to generate economic growth by providing employment opportunities through tourism
activities among the residents of the municipality. Other tourism related industries will also
spur further economic development in the area by providing local employment opportunities
through hotels, resorts, restaurants, transportation services, souvenir shops, among others.

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

nig
SOL ARA@ONES
3° District, Laguna

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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bint No. 5264

Introduced by Representative Sol Aragones

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF RIZAL, PROVINCE OF
LAGUNA, AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaring Rizal, Laguna as an Ecotourism Zone. - The Municipality of
Rizal, Province of Laguna is hereby declared as an ecotourism zone. As such, priority
development of the Municipality of Rizal shall be made by the Department of Tourism (DOT)
and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist zone.

SECTION 2. Role of Agencies. - The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government,
shall, within six (6) months after the approval of this Act, prepare the development plan
involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in the area: Provided, that said development plan
shall ensure the preservation of the natural beauty and historical significance thereof.

SECTION 3. Secretary of Tourism. - The Secretary of Tourism shall take immediate
steps to implement the said development plan and incorporate the same in the overall tourism
development program of the Department for the ensuing calendar year.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Tourism shall
issue the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the immediate implementation
of this Act is hereby appropriated from the funds of the National Treasury not otherwise

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appropriated. Thereafter sum as maybe needed for the continued implementation, operation
and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriation Act.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved.

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