Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2372

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE CHERYL P. DELOSO-M'

AN ACT
DECLARING MT. PINATUBO IN ZAMBALES AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Afier its eruption 1995, Mount Pinatubo which is situated in the Province of Zambales,
redefined its physical appearance. The once fierce volcano is now host to a number of attractions
that make it one of the most visited spots by both local and foreign tourists. In addition to the
natural beauty exuded by the volcano, the rich soil is a veritable source of nutrient suitable for high
value crops and other farm produce.

With these attributes of Mount Pinatubo, the issue of sustainability of the tourism and
agricultural potential of the volcano comes to mind. As of today, little to none is being done not
only to promote ecotourism in the area without disregarding the impact of human invasion in the
rich ecosystem of Mount Pinatubo. It is also noteworthy to state that little to none is being made
to ensure the practice of responsible agriculture in the area in order to harness the full potential of
the rich volcanic soil of Mount Pinatubo.

This bill was filed during the 16" and 17" Congresses, was approved by the House of
Representatives on 3% Reading and was transmitted to the Senate for consideration. However, it
only managed to reach 2 Reading in the said body. In view of this, this bill is being refilled and
proposes to declare Mount Pinatubo as an ecotourism zone that shall be governed by a composite
body that will ensure the sustainability of the agri-ecotourist spot.

Immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

CHERYL P. DELOSO MONTALLA
Representative
2™! District, Zambales


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. ea72

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE CHERYL DELOSO-'

AN ACT
DECLARING MT. PINATUBO IN ZAMBALES AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE,
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. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the state to
promote a sustainable ecotourism industry to attract local and foreign tourists while making them
aware of the urgent need to preserve the blessings of nature.

SECTION 2. Mt. Pinatubo Ecotourism Zone. - Mount Pinatubo is hereby declared an
ecotourism zone. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall, within
90 days after the approval of this Act, make an inventory of the existing flora and fauna in Mt.
Pinatubo that shall serve as the basis for a master plan that will be developed for the purpose of
this Act.

SECTION 3. Mt. Pinatubo Ecotourism Governing Board. - For the purpose of Section 2
of this Act, an ecotourism governing board, to be known as the Mt. Pinatubo Ecotourism
Governing Board, is hereby created. The board shall be composed of the Governor of the Province
of Zambales who shall act as chairman, the Representative of the Second District of Zambales who
shall act as co-chair, the Secretaries of the Department of Tourism and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources or their duly authorized representatives, a member of a non-
government organization whose advocacy is environmental preservation, a member of the
academe, a representative of the business sector, a representative of the private sector and the local
chief executive of municipality where Mt. Pinatubo is situated. The governing board shall prepare
the rules and regulations necessary for the full implementation by the concerned local government
units of the provisions of this Act and shall, as the need arises, amend, modify or revise such rules
and regulations to meet the needs of changing times.

SECTION 4. Mt. Pinatubo Ecotourism Master Plan. - The Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall, within one hundred
twenty (120) days from approval of this Act, develop a master plan to be approved by the President
of the Republic of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the governing board.

SECTION 5. Appropriation. - 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/or the internally-generated fund of the Department.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders,
presidential decrees or any other issuance contrary to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of
this Act are hereby deemed repealed or modified accordingly


SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act may be declared
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions which are not affected shall remain in full force and
effect.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette.

Approved,