Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________ 
Introduced by HONORABLE FERNANDO T. CABREDO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to declare the Municipality of Jovellar in the province of Albay as an 
ecotourism zone.  
It is worth noting that during the previous Congress, this bill was approved by the House 
of Representatives on Third Reading and was transmitted to the Senate.  Unfortunately, the Senate 
was not able to act on it on time. 
Located in Jovelllar are tourist spots that have tremendous tourism potential such as the 
Quitinday Falls, caves and underground river, and the Quipia River that runs all the way to 
butanding-famous Donsol in Sorsogon. 
Developing Jovellar into an ecotourism zone will generate investment and foreign 
exchange in the area and will also provide employment opportunities for local residents.  With the 
influx of tourists, the ecotourism zone will be a significant source of business opportunities. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly requested.  
FERNANDO T. CABREDO 
!
July 6, 2022
10:00 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________ 
BY REPRESENTATIVE FERNANDO T. CABREDO 
AN ACT  
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOVELLAR IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBAY 
AS 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. The Municipality of Jovellar in the Province of Albay, famous for its 
Sigpit/Quitinday Falls and underground river and caves, is hereby declared an ecotourism zone.  
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 ecotourism zones.  
SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, The DOT, in coordination with 
the municipal government unit of Jovellar, the Representative of the Third Congressional District 
of Albay and other concerned agencies of the government shall prepare a tourism development 
plan containing among others, the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate 
facilities and infrastructure that shall encourage tourism in the area: Provided, That said 
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and 
indigenous flora amd fauna therein.  Further, the development plan shall include the formulation, 
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development and implementation of programs and strategies that will generate livelihood and 
employment opportunities for the residents in the area.  
SEC. 3.  The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development plan and 
incorporate the same in its overall development program for the ensuing calendar year.  It shall 
also include the Municipality of Jovellar 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. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders or parts thereof 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby modified or amended accordingly.  
SEC. 6.  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
Approved,