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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2421

Introduced by Hon. Cyrille “Beng” F. Abueg-Zaldivar

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill anchors on Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the “Tourism
Act of 2009,” which maintains that “the State declares tourism as an indispensable
element of the national economy and industry of national interest and importance, which
must be harnessed as an engine of socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation to
generate investment, foreign exchange and employment, and to mold an enhanced sense
of national pride for all Filipinos.”

This measure seeks to declare Sangaran Ark Cave in Barangay Isugod,
Municipality of Quezon, Province of Palawan as a tourist destination. It is aspired that
the declaration of the cave would spur its development and boost its promotion by the
Department of Tourism. It is hoped that the development of the area would enhance
the standard of living of the populace, increase tax revenues of the municipality and the
province, intensify infrastructure development, improve the quality of life of the
community, and preserve and conserve this wonder of nature, Please note that this
cave has already been surveyed and assessed by the Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development.

Located four (4) kilometers away from the barangay proper, Sangaran Ark Cave
is a gem of the tourism sector and South Palawan. It can be reached by trekkers through
traversing a 45-degree climb and 10 minute tread down the Maritub River that cuts
through it and the location of Mudlom Cave, which is situated nearby. The cave has a
precipitous ark feature and its setting is canyon-like. In addition, the interior of the cave
is surreal for it has a mini-underground river and cascading waterfalls, a rare feat of a
tourist site. It is said that visitors will be rewarded with wide-eyed wonder witnessing
and experiencing this exquisite creation of God.


It is noteworthy that this measure was filed by former Deputy Speaker Frederick F.
Abueg, and approved, and transmitted to the Senate in the Seventeenth Congress.

Considering the significance of the measure, its passage into law is earnestly

sought.

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CYRILLE “BENG? F. ABUEG-ZALDIVAR
Representative, 2 District of Palawan


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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2421

Introduced by Hon. Cyrille “Beng” F. Abueg-Zaldivar

AN ACT
DECLARING SANGARAN ARK CAVE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
QUEZON, PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AS TOURIST DESTINATION,
PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The Sangaran Ark Cave in the Municipality of Quezon, Province
of Palawan is hereby declared a tourist destination. As such, its development shall be
prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and
regulations governing the development of tourist destinations.

Sec. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in
coordination with the concerned local government units and agencies of the
government, shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction,
installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure as shall
encourage tourism in the area: Provided, That said are development plan shall ensure
the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area.

Sec. 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development plan

that will suit the natural characteristic of Sangaran Ark Cave, and shall incorporate the


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same in its tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year. It shall also
include the Sangaran Ark Cave in all its national, regional and local promotion
programs.

Sec 4, 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.

Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
the DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders or parts
thereof inconsistent with this Act, are hereby amended accordingly.

Sec. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,