Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Tinago Ruins in Tarangnan, Samar are the remains of an old Spanish church 
and convent that was built in the 18th century. The church was destroyed during the 
19th century due to a typhoon and an earthquake, and only the ruins remain today. The 
Tinago Ruins consist of stone walls, arches, and columns that give visitors a glimpse 
into the grandeur of the old church. The Tinago Ruins is truly a historical and 
architectural jewel in the Province of Samar.  
The declaration of the above-mentioned site as a heritage and culture zone and 
Tourism destination will surely promote an ecologically sustainable, economically 
viable, responsible and participative tourism in the Municipality of Tarangnan. As such, 
this bill seeks to declare the Tinago ruins in the Municipality of Tarangnan, Province of 
Samar  as a Heritage and Cultural Tourism Destination.  
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
July 8, 2025
6:05 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING THE TINAGO RUINS IN BARANGAY DAPDAP, MUNICIPALITY 
OF TARANGNAN, A HERITAGE AND CULTURAL TOURISM DESTINATION 
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 “Tinago Ruins Heritage and 
Cultural Tourism Destination 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. To this end, 
the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms and infrastructures for 
sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop certain areas and sites 
identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having potential for tourism to drive and 
propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. The Tinago Ruins Heritage and Cultural Tourism Destination Site. The 
Tinago Ruins located in Barangay Dapdap, Municipality of Tarangnan, Province of Samar 
is hereby established as a heritage and culture zone and tourism destination. Its 
development shall be incorporated in the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) National 
Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) successor plan for 2023 – 2028 and be jointly 
implemented with the Municipality of Tarangan and Provincial Tourism Office of the 
Province of Samar. The construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities in the 
area shall be a shared responsibility of the DOT and the local government unit with 
emphasis on sustainable development and resource management. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall include in its 
Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the funding of which 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism Council, after 
due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other stakeholders, shall 
promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act within sixty 
(60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take effect after sixty (60) days
with or without the IRR.
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SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and 
issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,