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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
23 MAR 14 P3 50
RHCEiVEDBV:
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING PASSIG ISLET OF BARANGAY BATO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
STA. CRUZ, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR AS AN AQUA-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."
Ecotourism Philippines defines ecotourism as a form of sustainable tourism 
within a natural and cultural heritage area where community participation, protection 
and management of natural resources, culture and indigenous knowledge and 
practices, environmental education and ethics as well as economic benefits are fostered 
and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of visitors.
Passig Islet Aqua Eco Park is located in Barangay Bato, Municipality of Sta. Cruz, 
Province of Davao del Sur. From a sandbar, local residents turned it into an 800 square- 
meter islet by erecting perimeter buffer made of used truck tires, filled with concrete 
cement in the hollow. It is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the 
province because of its serene environment, clear water and white sand.
Currently, to reach the islet, visitors had to walk through a wooden bridge 
connecting the islet to the mainland. The walk to the end of the bridge is a great 
experience as it goes through thick lush mangrove trees leading to the area where 
pump boats await. The banca ride going to the islet is also a stunning experience as it 
gives a panoramic view of the sea, the islet, and the surrounding mountains. However,


there is still a need to enhance the facilities of the aqua-eco park resort as the cottages 
and bridge are already old.
Hence, this bill seeks to declare Passig Islet of Barangay Bato in the Municipality 
of Sta. Cruz, Province of Davao del Sur as an aqua-ecotourism site. Declaring the Passig 
Islet as an ecotourism site will generate not only community business opportunities but 
also job opportunities to the residents of the area. It will also ensure the sustainable 
use, development, management, protection, and conservation of the Passig Islet.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
[MEF^R. MARCOS


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
S.B. No.
SENATE
2004
23 MAR 14 P3 50
RHC£iVr[)BV
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
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AN ACT
DECLARING PASSIG ISLET OF BARANGAY BATO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
STA. CRUZ, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR AS AN AQUA-ECOTOURISM SITE 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Passig Islet Aqua- 
ecotourism Act.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 3. Passig Islet Aqua-ecotourism Site. - Passig Islet of Barangay Bato in the 
Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Province of Davao del Sur is hereby declared an aqua- 
ecotourism site. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism 
(DOT) subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of the aqua-
tourism site.
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 aqua-ecotourism 
area and ensure optimum utilization of assets and resources available.
SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - It shall be the responsibilities of 
the DOT to promote Passig Islet as an aqua-ecotourism destination in all its national, 
regional, and local promotion programs. The DOT, in consultation with the province of 
Davao del Sur and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA)


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shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation 
of this Act.
SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this 
Act shall be charged against the annual General Appropriations Act and internally 
generated funds of the DOT.
SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this shall be held 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in 
full force and effect.
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause.-M\ laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive 
orders, or parts thereof. Inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed, 
amended, or revised accordingly.
SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,