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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
23 FEB 27 P3 :41
RECEIVED Bv.,
SENATE
S.B. No. 1933^
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY KAPATAGAN IN THE CITY OF DIGOS, PROVINCE OF 
DAVAO DEL SUR, AN ECOTOURISM SITE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 16 of Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, "The 
State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful 
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."
Kapatagan, formerly known as Rizal, is a barangay in Digos City in the province 
of Davao del Sur. On 19 June 1971, President Ferdinand Marcos signed into law 
Republic Act No. 6210 which converted the sitio of Kapatagan into a distinct and 
independent barrio of the then Municipality of Digos. Kapatagan lies on the eastern 
part of Mt. Apo, and North of Digos with a total land area of 8,333.33 hectares 
comprising of 54 puroks. Among tourism features in the sites include Mt Apo, Matanao 
caves, Digos farms and flower gardens, and various eco-adventure sites in Sta Cruz. 
Kapatagan also beholds a wide variety of flora and fauna which includes Cavendish 
banana, the Philippine eagle, and Asian Palm Civets which are famous for producing 
one of the world's most expensive and rare coffee.
In June 2020, Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia published that the Philippine 
ecotourism is poised to reign supreme as the country transition to the new normal. 
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, local communities benefit 
through employment, business opportunities, and social projects. Moreover, 
ecotourism contributes significantly to national economies.


With a lot of promising attractions in Kapatagan, it is but fitting to not just boast 
its beauty but to enhance its aesthetic value and harness economic benefits ensuring 
sustainability of ecotourism for the benefit of future generations.
This bill seeks to encourages positive experience for tourists, minimize the 
unwanted impact of tourism on the environment, and improve the well-being of local 
people residing in the area by declaring Barangay Kapatagan in Digos, Davao del Sur 
as an ecotourism site.
, /Jjcucn/
R. MARCOS


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1933-
.,-JV
of t!i? «>c::rrtorp
23 FEB 27 P3'4]
RHCEIVlD BV;
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY KAPATAGAN IN THE CITY OF DIGOS, PROVINCE OF 
DAVAO DEL SUR, AN ECOTOURISM SITE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
SECTION 1. Barangay Kapatagan in the City of Digos, Province of Davao del 
Sur, is hereby declared an ecotourism site. As such, its development shall be prioritized 
by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing 
the development of ecotourism sites.
SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the city government 
of Digos 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 city government of 
Digos.
SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the city government of Digos in the implementation 
of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity 
building. It shall also include Barangay Kapatagan in its national and regional promotion 
programs.


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SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the 
annual budget of the city government of Digos. The DOT may augment such allocation 
with internally generated funds.
SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the city 
government of Digos shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the 
government, promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.
SEC. 6. Ail laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, proclamations, presidential 
decrees 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,