Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to declare Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani, Province 
of Bataan as eco-tourism zone. It was approved on third reading during the 18th 
Congress and was transmitted to the Senate. 
It is the policy of the State to accord priority status to sustainable, vibrant and 
profitable tourism development as one of the engines of socio-economic growth and 
cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and employment.  
Environmentally sound and community participatory tourism programs have spurred 
socio and economic development in the tourism industry.  In today's growth trend, the 
problem of unemployment remains unresolved.  Tourism-related sector is becoming an 
increasingly important source of economic prosperity by way of creating job 
opportunities.  The total number of arrivals of tourists and sightseers to the Philippines 
has greatly contributed to the improved economy and to our country’s status as a rising 
tourist destination.  
Part of the Bataan National Park, one of the most sought-after tourist 
destinations in Bataan for its serene and natural beauty and unique terrain, is located in 
Barangay Tala.  Barangay Tala is also famous because of the Sinagtala Farm Resort 
and Retreat Park.  The declaration of Barangay Tala as local eco-tourism zone will 
definitely help enhance its continued tourism viability.  Further, Barangay Tala could 
be easily developed into a first-class eco-tourism zone if it is equipped with amenities 
and facilities complementing its full potential as a tourism venue.  
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The lack of allied infrastructure and facilities such as hotels, lodges, camps, 
potable water supply and public transportation hinder the socio-economic and 
environmental development of the area.  Developing this barangay into an eco-tourism 
zone will mold and enhance a sense of history and pride for all residents of Tala and 
neighboring communities, thereby promoting the Bataan National Park as a tourist 
destination.  Further, it will provide employment opportunities to local residents and 
with the influx of tourists, the eco-tourism zone will be a significant source of business 
opportunities.   
 
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GERALDINE B. ROMAN 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN 
AN ACT 
DECLARING BARANGAY TALA IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ORANI,  PROVINCE 
OF BATAAN AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1.  This Act shall be known as “Tala Ecotourism Zone Act.” 
SEC. 2.  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 equitably beneficial to local communities. 
SEC.  3. Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani, Province of Bataan is hereby 
declared an ecotourism zone.  Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of 
Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development 
of ecotourism zones. 
The DOT shall prepare the development plan for Barangay Tala and shall incorporate 
the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant to Republic 
Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009.” The plan shall be 
implemented jointly with the Municipality of Orani, the local Protected Area Management 
Board (PAMB), the Bataan National Park (BNP) and the Tourism Infrastructure and 
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). 
The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Orani, PAMB, BNP, TIEZA and 
other concerned agencies of the government, shall identify well-defined geographic areas 
within Barangay Tala ecotourism zone, which shall include the Bataan National Park and 
existing infrastructure and facilities therein, and ensure the integrated development of these 
areas for the optimum utilization of natural assets and attractions, as well as the preservation 
of their historic significance. 
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SEC. 4.  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.  5.  Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the 
DOT, in consultation with the Municipality of Orani, PAMB, BNP, TIEZA, shall promulgate 
the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 6.  All laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations and other issuances, or 
parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly.    
 
SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,