SUSE REPRESENTATIVES

| RECEIVED
Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DATE: 95 wuts.
Quezon City we OS og
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS ey
First Regular Session — -
1066 | REGIST. ON ONT
House Bal No. BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Under the Regalian doctrine which is embodied in Section 2, Article XIi of the 1987
Constitution, all lands of the public domain belong to the State, which is the source of any
asserted right to ownership of land. As an incident of ownership over public lands, it is also
the prime duty of the State therefore to promote and develop these in order for them to reach
their full use and potential

Being an archipelago, the Philippines is gifted with an abundance of beaches with
incomparable beauty. Because of this and the persistent efforts of the State, the country has
gained acknowledgement as a major tourist destination in the world. Throughout the century,
beach attractions such as Boracay Beach in Aklan, El Nido in Palawan, Puerto Galera in
Mindoro etc., have become and continue to be an attraction.

However, these are not the only places to explore in the Philippines. ‘The plethora of
wonderful beaches in the country remains undiscovered and untapped. Examples of which
are the virgin undiscovered beaches located in the easily accessible municipality of Pio V.
Corpuz, Province of Masbate

Pio V. Corpuz offers a breathtaking experience with its vast islands filled with fine
white sand. One of these is Balangingi Island. This island is a 4.9 heciare track of land
declared as a marine sanctuary of Pio V. Corpuz. It boasts of small cottages where tourists
can stay a day or two to enjoy nature with fine white beach front and beautiful corals suitable
for swimming, snorkeling and diving, It is a 30 minute ride by boat Irom the town proper of
Pio V Corpuz with affordable rates for boat hire and inland facilities rentals,

Hence, this bill seeks to jumpstart the development and promotion of the Island of
Balangingi by declaring it as an ecotourism site, Through this, the recognition of this hidden
wonder shall be fast-tracked and the progress of the surrounding community shall also be
benefited without compromising the existing ecosystem. In view of the State policy to
promote and maximize tourism as a means for economic development, early approval of this
bill is earnestly sought.

SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D
epresentative
Third District, Province of Masbate



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

1066

House Bill No.

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

AN ACT
DECLARING THE ISLAND OF BALANGINGI IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
PIO V. CORPUZ, PROVINCE OF MASBATE, AN ECOTOURISM SITE
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote
elfective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and foreign. Tov
country shall rationalize all efforts pertaining to environmental protection and making the
tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for the generation of
employment. Aggressive measures shall be taken 10 restore the country’s share in the Asian
‘ourist market which shall be consistent with the preservation of the existing ecosystem and
natural environment.

sustainable and

SECTION 2. The Island of Balangingi in the Municipality of Pio V. Corpuz,
Province of Masbate I shereby declared an ecotourism site.

SEC, 3. There shall be created an ecotourism board, to be known as the Balangingi
Ecotourism Governing Board within one (1) year from the approval of this Act

‘The Governing Board shail be composed of the following:

(a) The Representative of the Third District of Masbate, as Chairperson

{b) The Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) or a duly authorized
representative;

(c) The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
or a duly authorized representative:

(d) A member of a non-government organization whose advocacy is environmental
preservation:

(c) A member of the academe;

(0) A representative from the business sector; and

(g) The Mayor of the Municipality of Pio V. Corpuz.

‘The Governing Board shall prepare the rules and regulations necessary for the full
implementation by the local government unit of Pio V. Corpuz of the provisions of this Act


and shall, whenever necessary, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet
existing needs.

SECTION 4, The provincial government of Masbate shall provide a Secretariat for
the Governing Board, including the necessary expenses for the performance of its official
functions and activities

SECTION 5. The DOT and the DENR shall develop, within four (4) months from the
approval of this Act, a master plan to be approved by the President of the Republic of the
Philippines upon the recommendation of the Governing Board.

SECTION 6. 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.

SECTION 7. If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional, the remaining part or provision not affected thereby shall remain in full
force and effect

SECTION 8. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations
and other issuances or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly

SECTION 9. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,