Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This Bill Proposes to declare the caves of Sulpan, Cathedral, Deit, and the 
underground river located in the Municipality of Matuginao, Samar, as a nature-based 
tourism destination.  
These subterranean natural wonders, with their captivating geological features, 
diverse flora and fauna, and cultural significance, remain relatively undiscovered and 
unexploited. By designating these caves as a nature-based tourism destination, the 
local government seeks to promote sustainable tourism that showcases their unique 
ecological importance and cultural heritage, while also providing economic 
opportunities for the local communities. 
The Municipality of Matuginao, Samar, boasts an abundance of natural 
resources, including the caves that house a wealth of endemic flora and fauna, 
geological formations, and cultural artifacts. Despite their significant ecological and 
cultural value, these caves have yet to be fully developed and marketed as a tourist 
attraction. This bill aims to harness the potential of these caves as a nature-based 
tourism destination and to provide a framework for their sustainable management and 
promotion. 
Promoting these Caves as a nature-based tourism destination will bring greater 
visibility to Samar and allow the province to showcase its natural beauty. It provides a 
platform for highlighting the province's vast potential and boosting its tourism industry. 
This, in turn, will create opportunities for local businesses to thrive and provide income 
to the community. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
July 8, 2025
6:05 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING SULPAN CAVE AND SULPAN LAKE, CATHEDRAL CAVE, 
DIET CAVE, AND UNDERGROUND RIVER IN BARANGAY LOCATED IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF MATUGINAO, A NATURE-BASED  
TOURISM DESTINATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short title. - This act shall be known as the “Matuginao Caves 
Nature-based Tourism Destination Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, 
participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local 
communities. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms 
and infrastructures for sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop 
certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having 
potential for tourism to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
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SECTION 3. Matuginao Caves Nature-based Tourism Destination Sites. 
Sulpan Cave, Sulpan Lake, Cathedral Cave, Diet Cave, the underground river located 
in the Municipality of Matuginao, are hereby designated as nature-based tourism 
destinations. Their development shall be incorporated in the Department of Tourism’s 
(DOT) National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) successor plan for 2023 – 2028  
and be jointly implemented with the Municipality of Matuginao and Provincial Tourism 
Office of the Province of Samar. The construction and maintenance of infrastructure 
facilities in the area shall be a shared responsibility of the DOT and the local 
government unit with emphasis on sustainable development and resource 
management. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall 
include in its Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism 
Council, after due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other 
stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation 
of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take 
effect after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR. 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, and issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended 
accordingly. 


 
 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation. 
Approved,