Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._1666

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With 7,641 islands, the Philippines continue to thrive as one of the best tourism destinations
in the world, which is home to spectacular natural wonders, such as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol,
Mayon Volcano of Albay, and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park of Palawan.
‘These wonders make tourism as one of the most promising industries in the country, which remains
to be a powerful engine for a strong and sustained economic growth by creating job and investment
opportunities, while preserving and developing our natural wealth for the succeeding generations.

The island Municipality of San Jose of the Province of Romblon used to be called Hambil
and was initially inhabited by the Aetas. As it bears a semblance to a water buffalo’s back, it was
later renamed as Isla de Carabao by the Spanish conquistadores Miguel Lopez de Loarca. While
the island is largely untouched, it is yet to be discovered by tourists across the world because it has
the same treasures as powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters found in its famous
counterparts, Boracay and Palawan, without the hustle and bustle for a peaceful, yet memorable
leisure and recreation.

At the minimum, tourists can frolic in its tropical waters and witness the sunrise from
Poblacion beach on the east side, while enjoying the rest of the panoramic viewpoints. The island
offers a variety of experience for tourists like spelunking, cliff jumping, mountain biking, hiking,
kiteboarding and windsurfing. Ultimately, with more than ten (10) dive sites around the island, it
is certainly a promising diving paradise of the country, where tourists can marvel at the beauty of
its underwater landscape with colorful species of fish and kaleidoscopic corals that continue to lure
underwater photographers. Hence, several dive shops were already established in the island that
are fully equipped and managed by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI),

The declaration of Isla de Carabao as a tourism destination is only fitting to continue to
preserve and develop its natural beauty, while achieving its fullest potential as a top tier tourism
destination in the country. It will also generate investments and promote socio-economic activities
that will be beneficial not only to the Municipality of San Jose, but for the entire country as well.

In view of the foregoing, this bill is, therefore, eamestly recommended for immediate
approval

ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. _ 1666 _

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN JOSE, POPULARLY KNOWN AS
ISLA DE CARABAO, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON, A TOURISM DESTINATION

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

SECTION 1. The Municipality of San Jose, popularly known as. Isla de Carabao,
Province of Romblon, is hereby declared a tourism destination. As such, its development shall
be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and
regulations governing the development of tourism destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the Municipal Government
of San Jose shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, and concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan
that shall include the construction, installation, and maintenance of such appropriate
infrastructure and facilities to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development
plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the
area: Provided further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be

included in the budget of the Municipal Government of San Jose.


SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the Municipal Government of San Jose in the
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism
capacity building. It shall also include Isla de Carabao in all its national and regional promotion
programs.

SEC. 4, The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
budget of the Municipal Government of San Jose.

The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA),
if necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA’s program.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal
Government of San Jose shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the
government, promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, and other issuances inconsistent
with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,