eighteenth congress of the
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENATE 
S.B. No. 2229
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
T»ME
NDSX
AN ACT
DECLARING SOHOTON CAVES AND NATURAL BRIDGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY 
OF BASEY, PROVINCE OF SAMAR AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to declare the Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge as an ecotourism 
site In the Municipality of Basey, Province of Samar.
The Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Is one of the most sought tourist 
destinations In the Province of Samar and is Internationally known for Its natural beauty 
featuring cathedral-shaped caves, unique limestone formations, subterranean rivers, lush 
green forest and a natural stone bridge.
The most popular feature of Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Is the natural stone 
bridge which connects two mountains. Several caves are also found In the area and the 
largest of which Is the Panhulugan Cave. Unique and Interesting limestone formations can 
be seen Inside the caves that attract tourists and locals alike.
The declaration of Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge as an ecotourism site will not 
only result to the development and Improvement of die tourist site but will likewise help 
In the furtherance of socio-economic development In the local communities as well as In 
the whole country.
As embodied In the 1987 Philippine Constitution, 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. In light of all this, the Immediate passage of this bill Is 
earnestly sought
RISA HONTIVEROS U 
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 2229
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
DECLARING SOHOTON CAVES AND NATURAL BRIDGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY 
OF BASEYr PROVINCE OF SAMAR AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR
Be It enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines In Congress 
assembled:
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Sec. 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as "Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge
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Ecotourism Act."
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Sec 2. Declaration of Policy. - The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates that the
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State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology
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In accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
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Accordingly, It Is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote an ecologically-
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sustainable and effective tourist industry that will enhance environmental preservation
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and support socio-economic development.
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Sec. 3. The Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Ecotourism Site. - The Sohoton
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Caves and Natural Bridge In the Municipality of Basey, Province of Samar Is hereby
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declared as an ecotourism site. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of
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Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
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development of ecotourism sites.
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The DOT, In coordination with the concerned local government units as well as with the
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other concerned government agencies, shall prepare a tourism development plan for
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Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge which shall be Incorporated In the overall National
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Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known
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as "The Tourism Act of 2009", and which shall also Include the construction and
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maintenance of Infrastructure and facilities In the area; Provided, That the development
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plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the scenery and resources of the
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area.


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Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days after the 
effectivlty of this Act, the Secretary of the DOT, in consultation with the concerned local 
government units, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and 
other agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
Implementation of this Act.
Sec. 5. Appropriations. - The Secretary of the DOT shall include In the 
Department's program the Implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be 
included In the Annual General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the 
DOT.
Sec. 6, Repealing Oause. - All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive 
orders or parts thereof Inconsistent with this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended 
accordingly.
Sec. 7. Effectivlty. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its publication 
in the Official Gazette or In a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,