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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1671

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

At the heart of the Philippines is the Island Province of Romblon. As it is known for
its lucrative marble industry, the province is also endowed with diverse flora and fauna
found in its breath-taking landscapes and seascapes. One of the towns that stands out and is,
so far, underrated by tourists, is the Municipality of Santa Fe.

The said town, a fourth-class municipality, is situated in the southern tip of Tablas
Island in Romblon. Tourism, as an instrument of growth, could ensure a boost in its local
economy, generate more jobs and secure further investments that will benefit the whole
Romblomanons.

The Municipality of Santa Fe has a collective abundance of scenic landscapes and
attractions such as: the white sand beaches along the coastal line of its nine (9) barangays;
the island of Puro with its powdery white sand beaches, underwater coral reefs and fish
sanctuary; the panoramic view of Sabang Cove and Agbulalo Beach in Barangay Danao; the
diving site in Barangay Agmanic with its untouched underwater environment; the mystical
Mt. Calatong; the breathtaking views in various areas, like the scenic hill views of Mat-l and
Danao Sur areas; and the heritage houses, among others.

Through legislation, this representation seeks to place the Municipality of Santa Fe as
one of the foreign and local travelers’ must-see destinations in the country - as it is indeed
an emerging paradise.

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

ELEANDRO JESUS F.


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No_1671

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA.

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA FE, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON,
A TOURISM DESTINATION

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. The Municipality of Santa Fe, Province of Romblon, is hereby declared a
tourism destination. Pursuant thereto, its development shall be prioritized and supported by the
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of
tourism destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the Municipal Government of
Santa Fe shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
and concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan that shalll include
the construction, installation, and maintenance of such appropriate infrastructure and facilities to
enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation
and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided further, That the
implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of the Municipal

Government of Santa Fe


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SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the Municipal Government of Santa Fe in the
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism
capacity building, It shall also include the Municipality of Santa Fe in its national and regional
promotion programs.

SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
budget of the Municipal Government of Santa Fe.

The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), if
necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA’s program.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal Government
of Santa Fe shall, in consultation with the DOT and concemed agencies of the government,
promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other issuances inconsistent
with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or 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,