Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 5262

Introduced by Representative Sol Aragones

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Municipality of Calauan in the Province of Laguna is a 2nd class municipality in
the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of
80,453 people.

As a tourist destination, Calauan is known for the sweetest pineapples across the
country. The fertile lands of the town saw an increase in the population of farmers as well as
land area used for pineapple farm in the past centuries. Throughout the years, the abundance
of pineapples has provided economic opportunities for the town as well as food and livelihood
for the citizens of the town. In order to maintain and improve its industry and push the town to
positive and sustainable development, steps protecting the natural resources of the town must
be sought.

This proposal seeks to declare the Municipality of Calauan as an ecotourism zone and
appropriate funds for the purpose. With the proposal to develop Calauan into an ecotourism
zone, we hope to generate economic growth by providing employment opportunities through
tourism activities among the residents of the municipality. Other tourism related industries will
also spur further economic development in the area by providing local employment
opportunities through hotels, resorts, restaurants, transportation services, souvenir shops,
among others.

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

(4 —
SOL Al NES
38 District, Laguna

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 5262

Introduced by Representative Sol Aragones

(AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF CALAUAN, PROVINCE OF
LAGUNA, AS 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. Declaring Calauan, Laguna as an Ecotourism Zone. - The Municipality
of Calauan, Province of Laguna is hereby declared as an ecotourism zone. As such, priority
development of the Municipality of Calauan shall be made by the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist

zone.

SECTION 2. Role of Agencies. - The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government,
shall, within six (6) months after the approval of this Act, prepare the development plan

involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in the area: Provided, that said development plan
shall ensure the preservation of the natural beauty and historical significance thereof.

SECTION 3. Secretary of Tourism. - The Secretary of Tourism shall take immediate
steps to implement the said development plan and incorporate the same in the overall tourism
development program of the Department for the ensuing calendar year.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Tourism shall
issue the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

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SECTION 5. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the immediate implementation
of this Act is hereby appropriated from the funds of the National Treasury not otherwise
appropriated. Thereafter sum as maybe needed for the continued implementation, operation
and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriation Act.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved.

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