Gah
Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session
House Bill No: 5230

Introduced by REP. MERCEDES “DIDI” CAGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Dubbed as the "Baguio City of the South," Davao del Sur is an ideal travel destination all
year round because of its idyllic climate, giving anyone a relaxing experience and a respite from
the noise of city life.

Located in the province is Kapatagan, which is positioned at the foot of the prominent
Mount Apo -- a breathtaking volcano that has been the subject of many local and international
publications.

Kapatagan has been attracting tourists for years, with its cool weather, green luscious
forests, and the different kinds of adventure it offers.

Imagine spending a day or two on the elevated land of Kapatagan where you will be
enveloped in fog and mountain mist as you traverse through walkways lined with pines and
indulge in the view of towering trees resting in a landscape of wild grass and vegetation.


In here, you will find a variety of flora and fauna such as the Cavendish banana and the
Philippine eagle. In fact, Asian Palm Civets that is bred for producing the Civet Coffee, which is
known as one of the world’s most expensive and rare coffee can also be found in Kapatagan.

Lastly, because of its proximity to Mount Apo, the Philippines’ highest mountain peak,
Kapatagan has become a major jump of points for mountaineers preparing to ascent the inactive

volcano.

Ecotourism is a growing segment of the global tourism industry that is making significant
positive contributions to the environmental, social, cultural and economic well-being of
destinations and local communities around the world. As such, there is a dire need to develop
Kapatagan in Digos City, Davao Del Sur as one of the ecotourism sites in the Philippines not
only to enhance its aesthetic value but also bring economic benefits to its people.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly urged.

MERCED} IDI” CAGAS:


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session
House Bill No:

Introduced by REP. MERCEDES “DIDI” CAGAS

AN ACT DECLARING KAPATAGAN IN DIGOS, DAVAO DEL SUR AS AN
ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives if the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as “Kapatagan Ecotourism Act.”

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. Kapatagan Valley Ecotourism Site. ~ Kapatagan in Digos, Davao Del Sur is
hereby declared an ecotourism site. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and shalll be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of
ecotourism sites.


The DOT shall prepare a development plan that ensures the preservation and conservation of the
natural resources of the area. The plan should also include construction and maintenance of
necessary facilities to enhance the eco-agritourism area and ensure optimum utilization of assets

and resources available.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — It shall be the responsibility of
DOT to promote Barangay Balutakay as an eco-agritourism destination in all its national,
regional and local promotion programs. DOT, in consultation with the province of Davao Del
Sur and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Appropriations. — The funding of this act shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of DOT, the year following its
enactment into law and thereafter.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive
orders, proclamations and administrative regulations, or any part or parts thereof, which are
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.