Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
House Bill No.  8617
Introduced by Representative LOLITA KAREN TANALA JAVIER
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to declare  Barangay Rubas as an eco-tourism  site in the Municipality of Jaro,
Province of Leyte.
Barangay Rubas is located in the Municipality of Jaro, Leyte; a harbour town in the Northern coast
of Southern Leyte with a large variety ofnature's gift and a distinct area for serenity. Many various
hot springs and rivers are found in Barangay Rubas, so tourists and locals alike can enjoy several
tourism related activities such as picnics, camping, swimming, and nature viewing.
Barangay Rubas is undoubtedly one of the hidden gems in Leyte. While the tourism potential of
the area is being encouraged by the local government, it is undeniable that with national help,
through the Department of Tourism and other appropriate agencies will further improve the tourist
promotion in the locality.
In view of the policy of the State to promote the tourism industry as an indispensable element to
national economy and as declared in RA 9593, otherwise known as "The Tourism Act of 2009",
the approval of this bill is earnestly recommended.
LOLITA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
House Bill No.  8617
Introduced by Representative LOLITA KAREN TARALA JAVIER
AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY RUBAS, MUNICIPALITY 0F JARO, PROVINCH 0F
LEYTE AS AN ECO-TOURISM SITE, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPRENT AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House Of Representatives Of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
SECTION  1.              Barangay Rubas located in Jaro, Leyte is hereby declared an eco-
tourism site. As such, it shall be accorded with priority development by the Department of Tourism
@OT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of eco-tourism
sites.
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.
SECTION 3.        Barangay Rubas Eco-Tourism site. -Barangay Rubas, Municipality
of Jaro,  Province  of Leyte  is  hereby  declared  an  eco-tourism  site.  Its  development  shall  be
prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the mles and regulations
governing the development of ecotourism sites.
The DOT shall prepare the development plan for Barangay Rubas and shall incorporate
the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NIT)P), pursuant to Republic Act
No. 9593, otherwise known as "The Tourism Act of2009". The plan shall be implemented jointly
with the Municipality of Jaro.


The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Jaro and other appropriate agencies
of the government, shall identify well defined geographic areas within Barangay Rubas tourism
site and coordinate the integrated development of these areas for the optimum utilization of natural
assets   and  attractions,   as  well  as   existing  infrastructure  and  facilities;  Provided,  that  the
development  shall  ensure the preservation of the  scenery  and  the  historic  significance  of the
identified tourist attractions.
SECTION 4.          Implementing Rules and Regulations. -The secretary of DOT, in
consultation with the Municipality of Jaro, shall promulgate the necessary mles and regulations
for the proper implementation of this Act.
SECTION 5.           Appropriations.  -The  Secretary  of  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 intemally generated funds of the DOT.
SECTION 6.          Repealing clause. -All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,
rules and regulations and other issuances contrary to or inconsistent with this Act shall be deemed
repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 7.          Effectivity clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette of in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,