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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2997

Introduced by Representative Carlos Andes Loria

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Rapu-Rapu Island in the Municipality of
Rapu-Rapu, Province of Albay, an ecotourism site and appropriate funds for its
development.

Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the “The Tourism Act of
2009,” declares tourism as an indispensable element of the national economy
and an effective tool for fostering economic growth, generating employment,
and promoting environmental and cultural preservation. The law mandates the
development of ecologically sustainable, culturally sensitive, economically
viable, and socially equitable tourism programs and projects throughout the
country.

Rapu-Rapu Island, located in the Municipality of Rapu-Rapu in the
Province of Albay, is home to a wealth of natural attractions that make it a
prime candidate for ecotourism development. The island features stunning
coastal beaches such as Rizal Beach, Igang Beach, and Mangal Beach, as well
as unique natural formations including Pototan Cave and Saltahan Falls.
Panoramic views from Binanderahan and the scenic landscapes of Babat Point
and Barangay Mananao further add to its appeal as an unspoiled destination for
nature-based tourism.

Despite its potential, the island remains underdeveloped and requires
strategic support to enhance its tourism infrastructure, protect its environment,


and uplift the welfare of its local communities. While the local government has
made efforts to promote the area, national government support is needed to
ensure the implementation of a sustainable and inclusive tourism development
plan that will maximize the island’s potential without compromising its
ecological integrity.

The proposal to declare Rapu-Rapu Island as an ecotourism site includes
directing the Municipality of Rapu-Rapu, in coordination with the Department
of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), and other relevant agencies, to develop a tourism master plan for the
island within one year from the effectivity of the Act. The plan shall prioritize
the construction and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and tourism
facilities, while ensuring the conservation of natural resources and the
participation of local communities.

Likewise, the DOT and its attached agencies shall include Rapu-Rapu
Island in all domestic and international tourism promotion programs and
provide technical and financial assistance to the local government. Funding for
the implementation of the Act shall be sourced from the Municipality’s internal
revenue allotment and, when necessary, from the internally generated funds of
the DOT.

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

CAI iS ANIJES LORIA


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2997

Introduced by Representative Caloy Andes Loria

AN ACT
DECLARING THE RAPU-RAPU ISLAND IN ‘THE MUNICIPALITY OF
RAPU-RAPU, PROVINCE OF ALBAY, AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Rapu-Rapu Island in the Municipality of Rapu-Rapu,
Province of Albay is declared an ecotourism site, ls development shall be
prioritized by the Municipality of Rapu-Rapu, subject to the rules and
regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites issued by the
Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) and other government agencies.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year alier the approval of this Act, the
Municipality of Rapu-Rapu shall, in coordination with the DOT, DENR, and

3


concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan that
includes the construction, installation and maintenance of appropriate

infrastructure and facilities to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That the

development plan must ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural
beauty and resources in the area.

SEC. 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to
supervise and assist the Municipality of Rapu-Rapu in the implementation of
the development plan with due consideration to the natural characteristics of the
Rapu-Rapu Island and incorporate the same in its tourism development program
for the calendar year immediately succeeding the approval of this Act. It shall
also include the Rapu-Rapu Island in all its international, national, regional, and
local promotion programs.

SEC. 4. The amount necessary for the effective impletentation of this
Act shall be charged against the annual internal revenue allotinent for the
development projects of the Municipality of Rapu-Rapu and augmented, if
necessary and available, by the internally generated funds of the DOT.

SEC. 5. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders or
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed, amended,
or revised accordingly.

SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in

the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.


Approved,