NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session  
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
House Bill No. ________ 
Introduced by Hon. Antonio B. Legarda Jr. 
AN ACT  
DECLARING THE NORTHERN ANTIQUE PROTECTED SEASCAPE AND 
LANDSCAPE LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF LIBERTAD, 
PANDAN, SEBASTE, CULASI, AND TIBIAO IN THE PROVINCE OF 
ANTIQUE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE TO ENCOURAGE THE 
RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE USE AS WELL AS FOR THE 
PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES 
FOUND THEREIN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The province of Antique boasts many natural wonders and  is home to a broad 
range of flora and wildlife, some of which are native to the province, as well as a 
thriving marine life. Notably, the Mag-aba Wetland, located in an estuary in the 
Municipality of Pandan, connects to the Pandan Bay, and to the Bugang River, which 
has been touted as ‗‘Cleanest Inland Body of Water‘‘ in the country. The area is also 
home to a biologically diverse ecosystem with endemic mangrove species and animals 
living therein. 
Thus, this bill seeks to declare the Northern Antique Protected Seascape and 
Landscape located in the Municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao 
in the province of Antique as a responsible and sustainable  ecotourism zone to create 
livelihood opportunities for the people of Antique as well as protecting and preserving 
the natural resources located therein for future generations to come. 
In line with the policy adopted by its original proponent former Deputy Speaker 
and now Senator Loren Legarda, and considering that this bill was pending approval 
third reading in the last Congress, this bill is being re-filed. It is for the reasons stated 
above that the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
HON. ANTONIO B. LEGARDA JR. 
August 11, 2022
9:17 am
3508


1
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session  
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
House Bill No. ________ 
Introduced by Hon. Antonio B. Legarda Jr. 
AN ACT  
DECLARING THE NORTHERN ANTIQUE PROTECTED SEASCAPE 
AND LANDSCAPE LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF 
LIBERTAD, PANDAN, SEBASTE, CULASI, AND TIBIAO IN THE 
PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE TO ENCOURAGE 
THE RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE USE AS WELL AS FOR THE 
PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES 
FOUND THEREIN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
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 ―Northern Antique 
Protected Seascape and Landscape Act of 2022‖. 
 Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State is mandated to promote a tourism 
industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, 
culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for the local 
community. Towards this end, the Northern Antique Protected Seascape and 
Landscape (NAPSL) is hereby declared a special eco-tourism zone, where the 
responsible and sustainable use of the natural resources therein is encouraged 
and will be strictly implemented. 
Sec. 3. Objectives. - Pursuant to the above declaration of policy, the State 
shall endeavor to accomplish the following: 
(a)
Develop and promote responsible, community-based ecological tourism
as the core management strategy in the development of the NAPSL;
3508


 
 
2
(b) Ensure the conservation of the biodiversity and the preservation of the 
said ecotourism  site;  
(c) Develop 
ecotourism 
products 
and 
programs 
that 
will 
generate 
employment and livelihood for the local residents concerned, consistent 
with the preservation and maintenance of the natural resources; 
(d) Guarantee that the financial and economic benefits of the tourism industry 
are equitably shared by, and distributed among the local residents 
concerned by giving preference and support to community and home-
based tourism enterprises, such as, but not limited to, resorts and 
homestays, micro and small businesses including restaurants, food and 
fruit stands, and other similar tourism-oriented industries and businesses; 
(e)  Ensure that the quality of local ecotourism programs and activities are 
educational and enriching for tourists and visitors through the provision of 
orientation, educational, and tour programs by local tour operators, non-
government organizations (NGOs), the concerned Local Government Units 
(LGUs), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 
and the Department of Tourism (DOT); and,  
(f) 
Guarantee that in the development and promotion of the local tourism 
industry, the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) shall ensure that 
the needs of the local residents for adequate water supply, food, energy, 
transportation, and local construction materials are first secured and met. 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
(a)  Buffer Zone refers to an identified area outside the boundaries of and 
immediately adjacent to the NAPSL that needs special development 
control in order to avoid or minimize any threat or harm to the NAPSL; 
(b)  Community-Based Ecotourism refers to a form of tourism where the local 
community and its residents have substantial control and involvement in 
the development and management of the local tourism industry and a 
greater portion of the economic gains remain within the community; 


 
 
3
(c)  Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism within a natural area 
where community participation, protection and management of natural 
resources, 
cultural 
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 the 
satisfaction of the visitors;  
(d)  Responsible Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism in which 
both the tourism sector and the tourists take responsibility for the 
protection, respect, and conservation of the natural environment and the 
local culture and ways of life, and where community participation, as 
well as benefits, are fostered and pursued for the well-being of the local 
people and visitors. 
Sec. 5. Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape. — The Northern 
Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape (NAPSL) located in the 
municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao in the Province 
of Antique is hereby declared a responsible, community-based ecotourism zone. It 
shall be accorded priority development by the DOT, DENR, Department of Public 
Works and Highways (DPWH), and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone 
Authority (TIEZA) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the 
development of ecotourism zones provided in the national ecotourism strategy 
jointly issued by the DENR and DOT.  
Sec. 6. Scope and Coverage. – The NAPSL, which shall cover an area of 
364,453.5395 hectares, shall be composed of the following: 
a) The wetland area located in Brgy. Mag-aba, Pandan, Antique composed of 
mangrove forest and estuarine river ecosystem with an area of 21,095 
hectares, located in Brgy. Mag-aba, Pandan Antique;  
b) The seas, islet, and sandbar ecosystem covering the municipalities of 
Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao with an area of 213,556.26 
hectares; and, 
c) Pandan Bay with an area of 150,876.25 hectares. 
The corresponding  boundaries shall be as follows: 


 
 
4
A. The wetland area 
Beginning at point marked TP - 1, being N 81° 21‘ W, 27,787.09 meters from 
reference BLLM 1, PLS 1107, Northern Antique Protected Seascape and 
Landscape; 
 
thence  
S 75° 30‘ E 
3,242.00 
meters to corner 2; 
 
thence  
N 81° 34‘ E 
3,723.95 
meters to corner 3 
 
thence  
S 88° 11‘ E 
4,292.00 
meters to corner 4 
 
thence  
S 70° 26‘ E 
7,759.31 
meters to corner 5 
 
thence  
S 83° 19‘ E 
3,489.57 
meters to corner 6 
 
thence  
N 78° 36‘ E 
2,873.78 
meters to corner 7 
 
thence  
S 40° 19‘ E 
4,925.65 
meters to corner 8 
 
thence  
S 05° 55‘ W 14,342.35 
meters to corner 9 
 
thence  
S 12° 57‘ W 4,208.77 
meters to corner 10 
 
thence  
S 20° 40‘ W 8,176.30 
meters to corner 11 
 
thence  
S 26° 28‘ E 
2,100.83 
meters to corner 12 
 
thence  
S 15° 07‘ W 3,828.16 
meters to corner 13 
 
thence  
S 14° 11‘ E 
4,552.10 
meters to corner 14 
 
thence  
S 07° 49‘ W 2,472.18 
meters to corner 15 
 
thence  
N 89° 51‘ W 17,369.06 
meters to corner 16 
 
thence  
S 19° 13‘ W 3,169.16 meters to corner 17 
 
thence  
S 47° 56‘ W 18,926.52 
meters to corner 18 
 
thence  
S 61° 51‘ W 6,834.81 
meters to corner 19 
 
thence  
S 88° 08‘ W 6,837.37 
meters to corner 20 
 
thence  
N 65° 37‘ W 6,817.66 
meters to corner 21 
 
thence  
N 40° 46‘ W 6,141.86 
meters to corner 22 
 
thence  
N 16° 52‘ W 6,841.57 
meters to corner 23 
 
thence  
N 09° 23‘ E 
6,833.87 
meters to corner 24 
 
thence  
N 03° 19‘ E 
32,126.72 
meters to corner 25 
 
thence  
N 31° 53‘ E 
4,886.87 
meters to corner 26 
 
thence  
N 50° 38‘ E 
3,792.90 
meters to corner 27 
 
thence  
N 66° 15‘ E 
6.070.27 
meters to corner 28 


 
 
5
 
thence  
N 83° 30‘ E 
20,309.49 
meters to corner 1. 
to the point of beginning containing an area of two hundred ninety-nine 
thousand nine hundred forty two and 542/100 (299,942.542) hectares, more or 
less. 
B. Seas, Islets, and Sandbar Ecosystem 
Beginning at point marked TP - 1, being S 86° 08‘ W, 33,925.26 meters from 
reference BLLM 1, PLS 1107, Northern Antique Protected Seascape and 
Landscape; 
 
thence  
S 44° 36‘ W 14,735.43 
meters to corner 2; 
 
thence  
S 30° 12‘ E 
1,957.43 
meters to corner 3; 
 
thence  
S 57° 20‘ E 
24,725.84 
meters to corner 4; 
 
thence  
N 81° 25‘ E 
4,111.89 
meters to corner 5; 
 
thence  
S 52° 51‘ E 
11,911.68 
meters to corner 6; 
 
thence  
N 84° 22‘ E 
3,904.27 
meters to corner 7; 
 
thence  
S 14° 11‘ E 
4,552.10 
meters to corner 8; 
 
thence  
S 07° 49‘ W 2,472.18 
meters to corner 9; 
 
thence  
N 89° 51‘ W 17,369.06 
meters to corner 10; 
 
thence  
S 19° 13‘ W 3,169.16 
meters to corner 11; 
 
thence  
S 47° 56‘ W 18,926.52 
meters to corner 12; 
 
thence  
S 61° 51‘ W 6,834.81 
meters to corner 13; 
 
thence  
S 88° 08‘ W 6,837.37 
meters to corner 14; 
 
thence  
N 65° 37‘ W 6,817.66 
meters to corner 15; 
 
thence  
N 35° 22‘ W 6,930.04 
meters to corner 16; 
 
thence  
N 19° 42‘ W 5,891.75 
meters to corner 17; 
 
thence  
N 09° 23‘ E 
6,833.87 
meters to corner 18; 
 
thence  
N 03° 19‘ E 
32,126.72 
meters to corner 19; 
 
thence  
N 31° 53‘ E 
4,886.87 
meters to corner 20; 
 
thence  
N 50° 38‘ E 
3,792.90 
meters to corner 21; 
 
thence  
N 66° 15‘ E 
6,070.27 
meters to corner 22; 
 
thence  
N 88° 45‘ E 
5,636.26 
meters to corner 23; 
 
thence  
S 62° 17‘ E 
9,225.27 
meters to corner 1. 


 
 
6
to the point of beginning containing an area of one hundred eighty-six 
thousand forty two hundred and 676/100 (186,042.676) hectares, more or less. 
C. Pandan Bay 
Beginning at point marked TP - 1, being N 81° 21‘ W, 27,787.09 meters from 
reference BLLM 1, PLS 1107, Northern Antique Protected Seascape and 
Landscape; 
 
thence  
S 75° 30‘ E 
3,242.00 
meters to corner 2; 
 
thence  
N 81° 34‘ E 
3,723.95 
meters to corner 3; 
 
thence  
S 88° 11‘E 
4,292.00 
meters to corner 4; 
 
thence  
S 70° 26‘ E 
7,759.31 
meters to corner 5; 
 
thence  
S 83° 19‘ E 
3,489.57 
meters to corner 6; 
 
thence  
N 78° 36‘ E 
2,873.78 
 meters to corner 7; 
 
thence  
S 40° 19‘ E 
4,925.65 
meters to corner 8; 
 
thence  
S 05° 55‘ W 14,342.35 
meters to corner 9; 
 
thence  
S 12° 57‘ W 4,208.77 
meters to corner 10; 
 
thence  
S 20° 40‘ W 8,176.30 
meters to corner 11; 
 
thence  
S 26° 28‘ E 
2,100.83 
meters to corner 12; 
 
thence  
S 15° 07‘ W 3,828.16 
meters to corner 13; 
 
thence  
S 84° 22‘ W 3,904.27 
meters to corner 14; 
 
thence  
N 52° 51‘ W 11,911.68 
meters to corner 15; 
 
thence  
S 81° 25‘ W 4,111.89 
meters to corner 16; 
 
thence  
N 57° 20‘ W 24,725.84 
meters to corner 17; 
 
thence  
N 30° 12‘ W 1,957.43 
meters to corner 18; 
 
thence  
N 44° 36‘ E 
23,817.36 
meters to corner 1. 
to the point of beginning containing an area of one hundred nine thousand 
sixty seven hundred and 405/100 (109,067.405) hectares, more or less. 
The metes and bounds of NAPSL shall be indicated on maps and/or nautical charts. 
Any modification of the coverage of this Act due to such factors as changing 
ecological situation, new scientific or archaeological findings, or discovery of 
traditional boundaries not previously taken into account shall be made through an 
act of Congress, after consultation with the concerned government agencies. 


 
 
7
Sec. 7. Establishment of a Buffer Zone. – There shall also be an established buffer 
zones surrounding the NAPSL to provide extra protection around the area, where 
restrictions shall apply and communities can assist in repealing threats to the 
NAPSL. Such buffer zones shall be managed according to the ecotourism and 
management plan formulated under this Act. 
Such buffer zone shall be included in the ecotourism development and management 
plan of the NASPL; Provided, that no build-up or reclamation detrimental to the 
diversity in the NASPL shall be done within the designated buffer zone. The Council 
shall exercise its authority over the designated buffer zone. 
Sec. 8. Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape Ecotourism 
Development and Management Plan. – The DENR and the DOT, in coordination with 
the DPWH and TIEZA, shall jointly assist the Northern Antique Protected Seascape 
and Landscape Development Council, herein created, in the formulation of the 
ecotourism development and management plan for the NAPSL that shall be 
complemented by a set of guidelines for responsible, community-based ecotourism. 
The tourism development and management plan shall ensure the preservation of the 
seascapes and landscapes and shall include the following components: 
(a) Carrying capacity of the seascapes and landscapes and its endemic and 
migratory birds species; 
(b) Specific site assessment, including terrestrial, underwater (biotic and 
abiotic), oceanographic, and other scientific site assessments;  
(c) Identification of strategic priorities; 
(d) Product development for local income generation; 
(e) Capacity building for the local community to allow residents therein to 
ably manage economically viable and responsible, community-based 
ecotourism business enterprises; 
(f) Support for the formulation of local groups and networks, including the 
marketing and pricing of products; 
(g) Marketing strategies that reflect the natural, social, and environmental 
integrity of the NAPSL; 
(h) Regular water quality monitoring of the seascapes; 


 
 
8
(i) Management and maintenance of the mangrove areas; and  
(j) Proper solid waste management in accordance with Republic Act No. 
9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act; and, 
(k) Proper use, protection, preservation, and revival of water resources and 
implementation of a proper sewerage system in accordance with Republic 
Act No. 9275, or the Clean Water Act; 
The process of developing the ecotourism development and management plan for 
the NAPSL shall be participatory, from the bottom up, with the framework to be 
provided by the DOT and DENR in consultation with the Northern Antique 
Protected Seascape and Landscape Protected Area Management Board herein 
created. 
To protect the mangroves and forest in NAPSL, the foreshore areas shall not be 
leased to any private entity; Provided, that Special Agreements on Protected Area 
(SAPA) may be availed upon Protected Area and Management Board (PAMB) 
Clearance.  
Sec. 9. Formation of the Northern Antique Protected Seascape and 
Landscape Protected Area Management Board. - A multi-sectoral board to be 
known as the ―Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape Protected 
Area Management Board‖, hereinafter referred to as the Board, shall be created. It 
shall be composed of the following members: 
(a) 
The Mayors of the municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and 
Tibiao shall take turns serving as Chairperson; 
(b) 
The heads of the Municipal Tourism Offices of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, 
Culasi, and Tibiao shall take turns serving as Vice-chairpersons; 
(c) 
The heads of the Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources 
Office of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao shall likewise take 
turns serving as member;   
(d) The Association of Barangay Chairmen (ABC) Presidents of the 
barangays of the municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and 
Tibiao shall also serve alternately; 


 
 
9
(e) 
The Chairmen of the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 
Management Councils of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao 
shall also serve alternately; 
 
Provided, That representatives from the LGUs as indicated in sub-
sections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) above, coming from the same 
municipality, shall all together serve for the same period; 
(f) 
The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources 
Officer of the Province of Antique; 
(g) 
The Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB); 
(h)   The Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and 
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA); 
(i) 
The Regional Director of DOT-Region 6; 
(j) 
The Regional Director of DENR-Region 6; 
(k) 
The Regional Director of DPWH-Region 6; 
(l) 
The DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer 
(PENRO) of Antique; 
(m) One representative from an academic institution, preferably from a state 
university or college in the Province of Antique, with proven track 
record in or related to protected seascapes and landscapes 
management; 
(n) 
One representative from the private sector, a resident of the Province of 
Antique, who is distinguished in a profession or field of interest 
relevant to protected seascapes and landscapes management; and,  
(o) 
One representative from either a non-government organization (NGO) 
or People‘s Organization (PO), duly accredited both by the DENR and 
the provincial government of Antique. The NGO or PO represented 
should have been in existence for at least five (5) years with a proven 
track record in or related to seascapes and landscapes management. 
The ex-officio members of the Board by virtue of their elective or appointive 
government positions as specified in the immediately preceding subsections (a), (b), 
(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), and (l) shall serve for the duration of their 


 
 
10
respective terms of office in their respective elective or appointive government 
positions. 
The members of the Board specified under subsections (m), (n), and (o) of this 
section shall be elected by the ex-officio members of the Board in a transparent and 
fair selection process. They shall each serve a term of three (3) years and may be 
reappointed for another term. 
The members of the Board shall serve without compensation, except for the actual 
and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance of 
their duties, either in their attendance in meetings of the Board or in connection with 
other official business authorized through a resolution of the Board, subject to 
existing rules and regulations. Each member shall have the full capacity and 
accountability for decisions binding to the member‘s sector. 
The members of the Board duly elected or appointed prior to the effectivity of this 
Act shall continue their term until the expiration of their term or appointment. 
Thereafter, members of the Board shall be appointed in accordance with the 
provisions of this Act. 
A member of the Board may be removed for any of the following grounds: 
(a) More than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular 
meetings of the Board; 
(b) Commission of acts prejudicial to the development and management of 
NAPSL as embodied in existing rules and regulations governing NAPSL; 
(c) Disassociation from the office or organization being represented; 
(d) Termination of relationship with the office or organization being 
represented; or 
(e) Conviction by final judgment of any criminal act. 
The local government of the Province of Antique shall provide a secretariat for the 
Board including the funding necessary to cover the expenses for the performance of 
its official functions and activities. 
Sec. 10. Functions and Responsibilities of the PAMB Council. – The PAMB 
Council shall be responsible for the following: 


 
 
11
(a) Formulation and the implementation of the ecotourism development 
and management plan in consultation with the local residents, 
businesses, and other stakeholders; 
(b) Assessment and evaluation of the potential impact of the development 
on the environmental safety and well-being of the seascapes and 
landscapes, communities, and enterprises; 
(c) Provision of technical and financial assistance to the communities 
within the seascapes and landscapes; 
(d) Implementation of a monitoring plan for the water birds and their habitats 
to ensure their presence and well-being in NAPSL; 
(e) Formulation of the rules and regulations in relation to the 
maintenance and security of the ecotourism areas; and 
(f) Performance of other functions as may be necessary to carry out the 
objectives of this Act. 
Sec. 11. Formulation of Guidelines and Standards. – The DENR and DOT 
shall assist the PAMB Council in the formulation of local ecotourism standards 
ensuring that environmental protection is integrated into the development and 
management of the ecotourism plans. 
The guidelines and standards shall: 
(a) Raise the capacity of all stakeholders and ensure that best practices are 
followed; 
(b) Ensure optimal use of water and energy; 
(c) Reduce waste and pollution through the encouragement of recycling and 
other environmentally-sound waste management reduction and disposal 
schemes; 
(d) Prevent vandalism in the facilities of the eco-park; and 
(e) Encourage the use of local produce and services, and support the 
employment of local people. 


 
 
12
Sec. 12. Coordination with National Agencies. - The DENR and the DOT 
shall closely coordinate with the Council, as well as the relevant regional offices 
of the DPWH, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department 
of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of 
Education (DepEd), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department 
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police 
(PNP), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and other line agencies of 
the government in the implementation of this Act. 
Sec. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within thirty (30) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DENR and the DOT, in consultation 
with the Council, other concerned government agencies, and stakeholders, 
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper and 
effective implementation of this Act. 
Sec. 14. Appropriations. — The Secretaries of the DENR, DOT, and DPWH 
and the Chief Operating Officer of TIEZA shall include in their subsidy 
programs, support for the capital outlay requirements of the NAPSL for 
the preliminary implementation of this Act and enhancement of the facilities 
of the ecotourism zone which shall be taken from the budget of their 
respective agencies for the current fiscal year.  
The budgetary allocations for the succeeding years shall be included in the 
General Appropriations Act, subject to a government audit. 
Sec. 15. Separability Clause. — If for any reason, any provision of this 
Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof 
which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
Sec. 16. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, 
proclamations, and administrative regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent 
herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
Sec. 17. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation or in 
the Official Gazette. 
 


 
 
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Approved,