Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____ 
Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO 
AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF CAPALONGA IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES 
NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Province of Camarines Norte in the Bicol Region is included in the National Tourism 
Masterplan as a Tourism Development Area. Among the many towns in Camarines Norte, the 
municipality of Capalonga in the 1st Legislative District is one of those that stands out with respect to 
ecotourism potential. 
Capalonga is famous for many tourist attractions, world-class beaches and a renowned 
pilgrimage site, specifically the Shrine of the Black Nazarene, which draws thousands of pilgrims of 
different nationalities every May 13th. 
Pulong Guijanlao in Camagsaan is, in fact, situated in this municipality and it never failed to 
amaze people with its white beach. Selfie Beach Resort, Tinagong Beach together with its Bali-inspired 
attractions, Sabang Beach and Lom-oc beach are also among the top notch destinations. There are also 
myriad of water falls like the Banca-banca, Banokbok and Itok Falls that are at par with the best falls in 
the country. The town also boasts of its Sabong-sabong Reef and Dive Site that is still a hidden gem 
among dive enthusiasts. These are just some of the examples of the endless tourist destination in the 
area. 
In light of the huge potential of the Municipality of Capalonga to become a top tourist destination, 
it is hereby sought that the Municipality of Capalonga in the Province of Camarines Norte be declared as 
an Ecotourism Zone. This declaration would indubitably create new jobs, improve the local livelihood and 
will be beneficial for the domestic economy. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO 
1st District, Camarines Norte 
July 4, 2022
4:11 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____ 
Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO 
AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF CAPALONGA IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES 
NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Capalonga Ecotourism Act of 2022”. 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote a 
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sustainable and effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and foreign. Towards this end, 
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the country should rationalize all efforts to make the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an 
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avenue for economic development. Moreover, measures should be taken to ensure that tourism 
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development would be done with a view on the preservation of the existing ecosystem and natural 
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environment. 
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SECTION 3. Capalonga Ecotourism Zone. –The Municipality of Capalonga in the Province of 
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Camarines Norte is hereby declared as an Ecotourism Zone. As such, its development shall be prioritized 
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by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned agencies, subject to the rules and regulations 
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governing the development of ecotourism zones. 
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In particular, the development of the following areas will be given focus by the DOT, the 
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concerned government agencies and also the Municipality of Capalonga, Province of Camarines Norte, 
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to wit: 
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a.
Pulong Guijanlao;
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b.
The immediate environs of the Selfie Beach Resort and Tinagong Beach Resort;
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c.
Capalonga Lighthouse;
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d.
Sabang Beach;
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e.
Lom-oc Beach;
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f.
Banca-banca Falls, Banokbok Falls and Itok Falls;
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g.
Sabong-sabong Reef and Dive Site;
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h.
Alayao River, Camagsaan River and Mataque River; and
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i. 
The immediate environs of the Shrine of the Black Nazarene. 
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SECTION 4. Ecotourism Governing Board. – Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, 
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there shall be created the Capalonga Ecotourism Governing Board, to be composed of the following: 
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a. Mayor of the Municipality of Capalonga, as ex-officio Chairperson 
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b. Secretary of the Department of Tourism or a duly-authorized representative, as member; 
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c. Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or a duly-authorized 
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representative, as member; 
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d. Representative of the 1st District of Camarines Norte or a duly-authorized representative, as 
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member; 
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e. Representative from an accredited non-governmental organization whose advocacy is 
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environmental preservation, as member; 
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f. Representative of the academe, as member; and 
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g. Representative from the business sector, as member. 
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The Board shall prepare the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of 
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this Act and shall, when necessary, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet existing 
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needs. 
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The Municipal Government of Capalonga shall provide a secretariat for the Board including the 
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funding necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its official functions and activities. 
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SECTION 5. Ecotourism Development Plan. – Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, 
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the DOT, in coordination with the local government unit of Capalonga, the Representative of the 1st 
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District of Camarines Norte and other concerned government agencies, shall prepare an ecotourism 
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development plan containing, among others, the construction, installation and maintenance of such 
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appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall enhance tourism in the Municipality of Capalonga, 
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particularly in the areas mentioned in Section 3 hereof; Provided, that the said development plan shall 
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ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality. 
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SECTION 6. Implementation of the Plan. The DOT shall take immediate steps in implementing 
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the ecotourism development plan and incorporate the same in its overall development plans and 
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programs for national implementation. 
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SECTION 7. Appropriations. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department’s 
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program, the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General 
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Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT. 
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SECTION 8. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional 
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or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
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SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other 
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issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.  
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SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
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in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
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Approved. 
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