Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by REP. JOSE FRANCISCO “KIKO” B. BENITEZ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Tourism is an important engine of economic growth. However, tourism may have 
negative social and environmental impacts. Tourism activities may cause environmental 
damage and exceed the ecological carrying capacity of an area.  
To address this, the Government has committed to promote sustainable tourism – 
tourism that addresses “the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host 
communities.”  
Ecotourism is a form of sustainable tourism. The United Nations World Tourism 
Organization defines ecotourism as tourism wherein the main motivation of tourists is the 
observation and appreciation of nature and traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas. It is 
a form of tourism that generates economic benefits for host communities, nature conservation 
organizations or authorities managing natural areas; provides alternative employment and 
income for local communities; but minimizes negative impacts on the natural and socio-
cultural environment, and increases awareness towards conservation of natural and cultural 
assets, both among locals and tourists. 
Understanding this, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental (PGNO) has 
outlined plans to develop a portion of the 62-hectare forest land in Sitio Pulak-Pulakan, Talisay 
City as an ecotourism site. The forest land lies at the edge of the Northern Negros Natural Park 
and is part of a larger watershed that fills an intricate network of rivers. Initial survey also 
revealed rich biodiversity in the area. The PGNO has started the process of declaring the forest 
land as a Local Conservation Area, but will need a steady source of funds to protect the area. 
Developing the 1.3-hectare clearing or grassy area of said forest land to host ecotourism 
activities will help generate income to support the PGNO’s efforts to protect the rich 
biodiversity in the area and ensure water security in the province.  
Presently, PGNO already maintains a bamboo nursery in the site, using agroforestry 
techniques. Part of the Provincial Government’s plan is to establish a bamboo treatment facility 
and a livelihood center where local artisans can make bamboo crafts. Inspired by bamboo 
architecture in Bali, Indonesia, PGNO is also integrating bamboo in the design of the facilities 
that will be constructed in the site, such as an information center, a multipurpose hall, a 
workshop or livelihood center, and a view deck. 
October 3, 2023
11:09 am
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The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, however, cannot bear the full cost 
of the establishment of this Nature Tourism and Biodiversity Conservation Center in Sitio 
Pulak-Pulakan. It needs the support of the National Government. 
 
 
Investing in ecotourism is investing in the future, ensuring that future generations will 
benefit from the beauty and bounty of nature. Apropos to this proposition is our earnest request 
for the immediate approval of this measure that will declare Sitio Puluk-Pulukan, Barangay 
San Fernando, City of Talisay an ecotourism zone and will channel funds for its sustainable 
development. 
 
 
 
 
 
JOSE FRANCISCO “KIKO” B. BENITEZ 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by REP. JOSE FRANCISCO “KIKO” B. BENITEZ 
AN ACT 
DECLARING SITIO PULAK-PULAKAN, BARANGAY SAN FERNANDO, CITY OF 
TALISAY, PROVINCE OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Sitio Pulak-Pulakan, Barangay San Fernando, City of Talisay, Province 
of Negros Occidental, 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 Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, the local government of the City of 
Talisay and agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism development plan involving 
the construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and facilities that 
shall enhance tourism in the area, including an information center, a view deck, a multipurpose 
hall, a bamboo treatment facility, a plant nursery, a wildlife research center, a livelihood center, 
and lodging facilities: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and 
conservation of the natural ecosystems and resources of the area: Provided, further, That any 
activities and developments to be carried out in the area should conform with the concept of 
ecotourism as provided in the national ecotourism strategy jointly issued by the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources and the DOT. 
SEC. 3. The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall take immediate steps to 
implement the tourism development plan that will suit the natural characteristics of Sitio Pulak-
Pulakan, and shall incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the ensuing 
calendar year. It shall also include Sitio Pulak-Pulukan 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 from internally generated funds of the DOT. 
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SEC. 5. The DOT shall transfer the management of the facilities to the Provincial 
Government of Negros Occidental within two (2) years after construction through a 
memorandum of agreement.  
 
SEC. 6. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the 
DOT, in consultation with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and the local 
government unit of Talisay City, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the 
proper implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 7. If any provision of this Act or any part hereof is declared unconstitutional, the 
same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions. 
 
SEC. 8. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations and executive orders, or parts 
thereof, contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 9. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,