HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

~~ RECENED
30 JUN 2016
DATE:
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BY: 4
Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REGISTRATION UNT 7 \
Quezon City, Metro Manila BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE
_ BILLS AND INDE
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House Bitt No, 15

Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani,
Province of Bataan as eco-tourism zone.

It is the policy of the State to accord priority status to sustainable, vibrant
and profitable tourism development as one of the engines of socio-economic
growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and
employment. Environmentally sound and community participatory tourism
programs have spurred socio and economic development in the tourism industry.
In today's growth trend, the problem of unemployment remains unresolved.
Tourism-related sector is becoming an increasingly important source of economic
prosperity by way of creating job opportunities. The total number of arrivals of
tourists and sightseers to the Philippines has greatly contributed to the improved
economy and to our country’s status as a rising tourist destination.

Part of the Bataan National Park, one of the most sought-after tourist
destinations in Bataan for its serene and natural beauty and unique terrain, is
located in Barangay Tala. Barangay Tala is also famous because of the Sinagtala
Farm Resort and Retreat Park. The declaration of Barangay Tala as local eco-
tourism zone will definitely help enhance its continued tourism viability. Further,
Barangay Tala could be easily developed into a first-class eco-tourism zone if it is
equipped with amenities and facilities complementing its full potential as a
tourism venue.

The lack of allied infrastructure and facilities such as hotels, lodges, camps,
potable water supply and public transportation hinder the socio-economic and
environmental development of the area. Developing this barangay into an eco-


tourism zone will mold and enhance a sense of history and pride for all residents
of Tala and neighboring communities, thereby promoting the Bataan National
Park as a tourist destination. Further, it will provide employment opportunities to
local residents and with the influx of tourists, the eco-tourism zone will be a
significant source of business opportunities.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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P mnnaniinaen

GERALDINE B. ROMAN


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session,

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN

AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY TALA IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF ORANI, PROVINCE OF BATAAN
AN ECOTOURISM ZONE 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 “Tala Ecotourism
Zone 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. Barangay Tala as an Ecotourism Zone. — Barangay Tala
in the Municipality of Orani, Province of Bataan is hereby declared an
ecotourism zone. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of ecotourism zones.

The DOT shall prepare the development plan for Barangay Tala and shall
incorporate the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP),
pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of
2009.” This shall be implemented jointly with the Municipality of Orani, the
local Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the Bataan National Park
(BNP) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).


The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Orani, the PAMB, the
BNP, the TIEZA and other appropriate agencies of the government, shall identify
well-defined geographic areas within Barangay Tala ecotourism zone, which
shall include the Bataan National Park and existing infrastructure and facilities
therein, and ensure the integrated development of these areas for the optimum
utilization of natural assets and attractions, as well as the preservation of their
historic significance.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of
the DOT, in consultation with the Municipality of Orani, the PAMB, the BNP
and the TIEZA, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
effective implementation of this Act.

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 included in the annual General Appropriations Act and internally
generated funds of the DOT

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, orders, decrees, rules and
regulations and other issuances, 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 newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,