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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

House Bil No. 8605

Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOSE PANGANIBAN IN THE PROVINCE OF
CAMARINES NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Camarines Norte has been identified in the Department of Tourism’s National Tourism
Masterplan as a Tourism Development Area. This designation signals the importance to lay down
measures which will improve and enhance the tourism capabilties of the province to goals of the
Masterplan.

Indeed Camarines Norte is stil a vastly untapped tourism destination and surely, among the
many towns in Camarines Norte the town of Jose Panganiban is deinoly one ‘one of those that stands out
with respect to ecotourism potential

Jose Panganiban boasts of Parola Island, Calalanay Island, Isla ni Cion, Pag-asa Beach and
_Bulalacao Beach that ae stil widely untapped due to lack of adequate tourism infrastructure.

In light of the huge potential of the Municipality of Jose Panganiban to become a top tourist

destination, it is hereby sought it be declared as an Ecotourism Zone. The passage of this bill will surely
create new jobs, improve the local livelihood and will be beneficial for the domestic economy.

In view ofthe foregoing, the passage of this bil is eamestly sought.

HON. sian B, TALLADO
Represent

1 District, Camarines Norte


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 865

Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOSE PANGANIBAN IN THE PROVINCE OF
CAMARINES NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

‘SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shal! be known as the “Jose Panganiban Ecotourism Act of
2021".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the Stale to promote a
‘sustainable and effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and foreign. Towards this end,
the country should rationalize all efforts to make the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an
avenue for economic development. Moreover, measures should be taken to ensure that tourism
development would be done with a view on the preservation of the existing ecosystem and natural
environment.

SECTION 3. Jose Panganiban Ecotourism Zone. -The Municipality of Jose Panganiban in the
Province of Camarines Norte is hereby declared as an Ecotourism Zone. As such, its development shall
be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concemed agencies, subject to the rules
and regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones.

In particular, the development of the following areas will be given focus by the DOT, the
concemed government agencies and also the Municipality of Jose Panganiban, Province of Camarines
Norte, to wit:

a. Parola Island;

b. Calalanay Island;

c. Isla ni Cion;

d. Pag-asa Beach; and
e. Bulalacao Beach.


SECTION 4. Ecotourism Governing Board. - Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act,
there shall be created the Jose Panganiban Ecotourism Governing Board, to be composed of the
following:

a. Mayor of the Municipality of Jose Panganiban, as ex-officio Chairperson

b. Secretary of the Department of Tourism or a duly-authorized representative, as member;

c. Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or a duly-authorized
representative, as member,

d. Representative of the 1* District of Camarines Norte or a duly-authorized representative, as
member,

e. Representative from an accredited non-governmental organization whose advocacy is

environmental preservation, as member;

Representative of the academe, as member, and

g. Representative from the business sector, as member.

The Board shall prepare the n ry rules and regulations for the proper implementation of
this Act and shall, when necessary, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet existing
needs.

The Municipal Government of Jose Panganiban shall provide a secretariat for the Board
including the funding necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its official functions and
activities.

SECTION 5. Ecotourism Development Plan. — Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act,
the DOT, in coordination with the local government unit of Jose Panganiban, the Representative of the
1® District of Camarines Norte and other concerned government agencies, shall prepare an ecotourism
development plan containing, among others, the construction, installation and maintenance of such
appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall enhance tourism in the Municipality of Jose Panganiban,
particularly in the areas mentioned in Section 3 hereof; Provided, that the said development plan shall
ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality.

SECTION 6. immpierentation of the Pian. The DOT shail take immediate steps in implementing
the ecotourism development plan and incorporate the same in its overall development plans and
programs for national implementation.

SECTION 7. 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.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional
or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other
issuances inconsistent with any ofthe provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.