TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  ____________ 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA and 
ALFEL M. BASCUG 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Agusan Marsh is one of the country’s most vital ecological areas. It provides 
critical shelter for unique and endangered flora and fauna and serves as a feeding and 
breeding place for migrating birds and endangered wildlife. It is also home to indigenous 
Manobo communities, who regard the Marsh as a sacred site. For these communities, the 
Marsh is a symbol of their identity and heritage. Beyond its ecological and cultural 
significance, the Marsh functions as a natural flood-retention basin, absorbing excess 
water during the rainy season and protecting various areas across Mindanao from heavy 
floods.  
The invaluable ecosystem and unique beauty of the Agusan Marsh have attracted 
researchers, educators, environmental enthusiasts, and tourists over the years. In Sitio 
Panlabuhan, a small community nestled within the Marsh, grassroots efforts have begun 
to introduce cultural tourism activities that highlight the Marsh’s environmental and 
cultural significance.  
However, with the growing interest in the Agusan Marsh comes the increasing 
threats to the area and its people. According to the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, 
illegal fishing, timber poaching, wildlife hunting, the construction of man-made canals, 
peat fire incidents, and land-use conversion remain persistent threats to the Marsh and 
its inhabitants.  
It is vital that appropriate measures and support be provided by both the local and 
the national governments to preserve the natural beauty of Agusan Marsh while also 
maximizing its potential as a sustainable tourism destination. The ecotourism zone must 
be developed in line with the State policy which states that tourism development must be 
ecologically sustainable, responsible, participatory, culturally sensitive, ethically and 
socially equitable for local communities.  
With this measure having already reached the Senate during the 19th Congress, it 
is hoped that necessary initiatives for the development and conservation of the Agusan 
Marsh will be institutionalized.  
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
  ALFEL M. BASCUG 
 EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
1ST District, Agusan del Sur 
   2nd District, Agusan del Sur 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
July 7, 2025
10:24 am
1380


TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  ____________ 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA and 
ALFEL M. BASCUG 
AN ACT DECLARING THE AGUSAN MARSH LOCATED IN THE 
MUNICIPALITIES OF TALACOGON, SAN FRANCISCO, ROSARIO, 
BUNAWAN, LORETO, LA PAZ AND VERUELA, ALL IN THE PROVINCE 
OF AGUSAN DEL SUR, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in the 
Congress assembled:  
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. – The State is mandated to promote a 
tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally 
sensitive, economically viable, and equitably beneficial to local communities.  
SECTION 2. Agusan Marsh Ecotourism Zone. – The Agusan Marsh located 
in the Municipalities of Talacogon, San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Loreto, La Paz, 
and Veruela in the Province of Agusan del Sur is hereby declared an ecotourism zone. 
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 ecotourism zones.  
SECTION 3. Scope and Coverage. – This Act shall cover the municipalities of 
Talacogon, San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Loreto, La Paz, and Veruela.  
The setting of technical boundaries of the ecotourism zone shall be undertaken 
by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other 
concerned agencies of the government.  
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
a. Biodiversity conservation refers to the practice of preserving the variety of
species, habits and ecosystems, and genetic diversity of the place, including
inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems, and the
ecological complexes which they are a part of;
b. Community-based tourism refers to a form of tourism where the local
community and its residents have substantial control over and involvement
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
1380


in the development and management of the local tourism industry and a 
greater portion of the economic gains remain within the community; 
c. Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism within a natural area 
where community participation, protection and management of natural 
resources, cultural and indigenous knowledge and practices, environmental 
education and ethics, as well as economic benefits are fostered and pursued 
for the enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of visitors; 
 
d. Homestays refer to a system of tourist accommodation where a tourist stays 
with local residents and experiences their day-to-day life; 
 
e. Responsible ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism in which 
both the tourism sector and the tourists take responsibility in the protection, 
respect, and conservation of the natural environment and the local culture 
and ways of life, and where community participation as well as economic 
benefits are fostered and pursued for the well-being of the local residents 
and visitors; 
 
 
 
SECTION 5. Development Strategies. – To accomplish the development of the 
Agusan Marsh Ecotourism Zone, the State shall: 
 
a. Develop and promote responsible, community-based ecotourism as the core 
management strategy in the development of the Agusan Marsh Ecotourism 
Zone; 
 
b. Ensure the conservation of the biodiversity and the preservation of the said 
ecotourism zone; 
 
c. Develop ecotourism products and programs that will generate employment 
and livelihood for the local residents concerned, consistent with the 
preservation and maintenance of the natural resources; 
 
d. Guarantee that the financial and economic benefits of the tourism industry 
are equitably shared by, and distributed among the local residents 
concerned, by giving preference and support to community – and home-
based micro and small tourism enterprises such as homestays, restaurants, 
food and fruit stands, and other similar tourism-oriented businesses and 
activities; 
 
e. Ensure that the equality of local tourism programs and activities are 
educational and enriching for tourists and visitors through the provision of 
orientation, educational and tour programs by local tour operators, non-
government organizations (NGOs), the concerned Local Government Units 
(LGUs), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 
and the Department of Tourism (DOT); and, 
 
f. Guarantee that in the development and promotion of the local tourism 
industry, the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) shall ensure the 
adequate provision of water supply, food, energy and transportation for the 
needs of the local residents and communities.  


 
 
 
SECTION 6. The Agusan Marsh Ecotourism Development and Management 
Plan. – Within one twenty (120) days after the approval of this Act, the municipal 
governments of Talacogon, San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Loreto, La Paz, and 
Veruela shall, in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other concerned agencies of the 
government, prepare the Agusan Marsh Ecotoursim Development and Management 
Plan that shall be complemented by a set of guidelines for a responsible community-
based ecotourism. 
 
 
The Agusan Marsh Ecotourism Development and Management Plan shall 
ensure the preservation of the ecotourism zone and shall include the following 
components:  
 
a. Carrying capacity of the Agusan Marsh Ecotourism Zone, including 
its endemic and migratory birds species; 
 
b. Specific site assessment; 
 
c. Identification of strategic priorities; 
 
d. Product development plans for local income generation; 
 
e. Capacity-building for the local community so residents therein can 
ably manage economically viable and responsible, community- based 
ecotourism business enterprises; 
 
f. Strategies to promote the formulation of local production groups and 
networks, including the marketing and pricing of products; and  
 
g. Marketing strategies that uphold the natural, social and 
environmental integrity Agusan Marsh Ecotourism zone and its local 
residents. 
 
 
SECTION 7. Agusan Marsh Ecotourism Board. – The Agusan Marsh 
Ecotourism Board, hereinafter referred to as the Board, is hereby created. It shall be 
composed of the following members: 
 
a. The Governor of the Province of Agusan del Sur, 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. The Mayors of the Municipalities of Talacogon, San Francisco, 
Rosario, Bunawan, Loreto, La Paz, and Veruela; 
e. Representative from a non-government organization whose 
advocacy is environmental preservation; 
f. Representative from the academe; 
g. Representative from the business sector; and 


h. Representative from the private sector. 
 
The Board shall, in coordination with the DOT and other concerned agencies of 
the government, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement this 
Act; and, as the need arises, shall amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations 
to meet the needs of changing times.  
 
SECTION 8. Role of the DOT. – The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall 
assist the municipal governments of Talacogon, San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, 
Loreto, La Paz, and Veruela in the implementation of the Agusan Marsh Ecotourism 
Development and Management Plan by providing technical assistance in tourism 
capacity building. It shall also include the Agusan Marsh in its national and regional 
promotion programs.  
 
SECTION 9. Appropriations. – The funding for the implementation of this 
Act shall be included in the respective annual budgets of the municipal governments 
of Talacogon, San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Loreto, La Paz, and Veruela. The DOT 
may augment such allocation with internally generated funds. 
 
SECTION 8. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part of this part Act 
shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby 
shall remain in full force and effect.  
 
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, 
presidential decrees or other issuances contrary to or inconsistent with any of the 
provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or modified accordingly.  
 
SECTION 10. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,