Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This Bill proposes to declare Deit Cave located in Brgy. Deit, Municipality of 
Matuginao as a nature-based tourism destination. 
The Municipality of Matuginao is home to several natural wonders that reflect 
the rich ecological and cultural heritage of the Province of Samar. One of these is the 
Deit Cave which possesses unique geological features, rich biodiversity, and 
significant potential for sustainable tourism. 
By declaring Deit Cave a nature-based tourism destination, the State seeks to 
ensure the preservation of its ecological integrity while promoting it as a sustainable 
tourism site. This initiative will not only showcase the Municipality of Matuginao’s 
natural wonders but will also create livelihood opportunities, strengthen community 
involvement, and support the province’s broader eco-tourism strategy. 
Promoting this site as a nature-based tourism destination will be a driver of 
inclusive growth for the people of Matuginao and the entire Province of Samar. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
September 9, 2025
4:10 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING DEIT CAVE IN BARANGAY DEIT, MUNICIPALITY OF 
MATUGINAO, A NATURE-BASED TOURISM DESTINATION 
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 “Deit Cave Nature-
based Tourism Destination Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, 
participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local 
communities. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms 
and infrastructures for sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop 
certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having 
potential for tourism to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. Deit Cave as Nature-based Tourism Destination. – Deit Cave 
in Barangay Deit, Municipality of Matuginao is hereby declared as a nature-based 
tourism destination. This site shall be developed and promoted for its ecological 
significance, cultural value, and recreational potential, with tourism activities designed 
to highlight its natural beauty while ensuring environmental protection and 
sustainability. Their development shall be incorporated in the Department of Tourism’s 
(DOT) National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) successor plan for 2023–2028 
and shall be jointly implemented with the Municipal Government of Matuginao and the 
Provincial Tourism Office of Samar. The construction and maintenance of 
infrastructure facilities in the area shall be a shared responsibility of the DOT and the 
concerned local government units, with emphasis on sustainable development and 
resource management. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall 
include in its Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
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SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism 
Council, after due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other 
stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation 
of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take 
effect after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR. 
 
 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, and issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended 
accordingly. 
 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,