FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 2477 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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The Island of Malapascua has been heralded as the "Virgin Boracay of the 
Philippines". It is part of the Municipality of Daanbantayan, Province of Cebu. The Island 
of Malapascua is now considered a favorite tourist destination among foreigners and 
locals alike. 
Tourism being the most potent and valuable industry at present, there is a need 
to create eco-tourism destinations in the Philippines. Hence, the government has to 
develop, counter and address the issues on marketing, accessibility, infrastructure, 
product development and transportation of Malapascua Island which would contribute to 
the success of tourism industry in our country vis-a-vis the preservation of the natural 
resources, the natural beauty of the island as well as its local heritage. In fact, its 
tourism potential is an intrinsic function of the rich biodiversity of the island. 
The environmental attributes and rich natural resources of Malapascua apart 
from its natural beauty, are what make it potentially an eco-tourism destination in the 
country. Malapascua Island can definitely be of more help to our nation's economy 
when it becomes an eco-tourism destination in the Philippines without prejudicing the 
preservation of its environmental attributes and natural resources. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate enactment of this bill is earnestly 
requested. 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 2477 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE ISLAND OF MALAPASCUA, PROVINCE OF CEBU AS AN 
ECO·TOURISM DESTINATION OF THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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Section 1. 
State Policy. -
It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
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promote sustainable tourism industry. 
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Towards that end, the country shall rationalize all efforts pertaining to 
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environmental protection and making the industry a major source of livelihood and an 
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avenue for the generation of employment. Henceforth, aggressive measure seeking to 
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restore the country's share in the Asian tourist market shall be consistent with the 
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preservation of the eXisting ecosystem and natural environment. 
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Section 2. Pursuant to the public policy, the Island of Malapascua, Province of 
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Cebu is hereby declared an eco-tourism destination of the Philippines. 
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Section 3. Creation of Eco-Tourism Task Force. - Within a year from the 
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approval of this Act, there shall be created an Eco Tourism Task Force whose 
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governing board shall be co-chaired by the Congressman and the Governor of Cebu. 
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The membership of the board shall be composed of representatives from the 
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Tourism 
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(DOT), the Department of Health (DOH), the private sector, the Non-Governmental 
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Organizations, and the local government units concerned. 
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Section 4. The DENR and DOT shall prepare an eco-tourism master plan and 
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promUlgate the necessary rules and regulations to be approved by the President of the 


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Philippines upon recommendation of the board, for implementation by the concemed 
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National Govemment Agencies and/or Local Govemment Units. 
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Section 5. Appropriations. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the 
department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be 
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included in the Annual General Appropriations Act. 
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Section 6. Any provision of this Act or part thereof that may be declared 
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unconstitutional shall not affect the effectivity of the of the other provisions. 
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Section 7. 
All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules and 
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regulations, and other issuance contrary to or inconsistent with this Act shall be deemed 
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repealed or modified accordingly. 
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Section 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
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Approved. 
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