NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
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of l.U' ■ Cl'in1
24 JUN24 R2 38
RUCEi .’ID BY:
SENATE
S.B. No. 2715
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT DECLARING THE MARAMO SECTION OF THE ANGAT 
RIVER SYSTEM IN BARANGAY SAN MATEO, MUNICIPALITY OF 
NORZAGARAY, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AN ECOTOURISM 
DESTINATION, TO BE KNOWN AS THE MARAMO NATURE 
RESERVE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
According to the Department of Tourism, Central Luzon, including the 
province of Bulacan, recorded a total of 2.8 million tourist arrivals as of the third 
quarter of 2023, consisting of 2.6 million domestic arrivals and 197,837 foreign 
arrivals.1
The province of Bulacan prides itself not only for its rich historical heritage, 
but also for its stunning natural wonders, such as the town of Norzagaray. 
Norzagaray is a fast rising commercial and economic center with promising tourism 
potentials because of its natural resources and natural beauty. Among the gems 
in Norzagaray is the Maramo Section of the Angat River System which is popularly 
known as the “Little Palawan of Bulacan.”
The Maramo Section of the Angat River System or the “Maramo River” is a 
popular attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers because of its stunning 
natural beauty and the many outdoor activities it offers. Similar to the famous cliffs 
and rivers of Palawan, Maramo River also shares these natural features that draw 
numerous tourists from Bulacan and other nearby provinces.
1 DOT eyes Central Luzon as compelling, distinctive tourism destination. PIA.gov. 14 January 2024. Available at: 
https://pia.gov.ph/features/2024/01/14/dot-eyes-central-luzon-as-compelling-distinctive-tourism-destination Date last 
accessed: 16 April 2024.


Tourism is a major driver of economic growth and employment in the 
country. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA),2 the contribution of 
the sector to the country’s GDP in 2023 was estimated at 8.6%. In addition, the 
sector generated a total of 6.2 million jobs in 2023.
Thus, developing the Little Palawan of Bulacan into an ecotourism destination will 
not only boost the country’s GDP but also generate more employment, especially 
for locals in the area.
sought.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
JOE17 VILLANUEVA
2 Tourism Posted Highest Growth in 2023, Contributing 8.6 % to the Economy. PSA. 18 June 2024. Available at: 
https://www.psa.gov.ph/statistics/tourism. Date last accessed; 19 June 2024.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
. 
, i 1 
<!S5in')i
of llu* £ fl.H p
24 JUN24 P12:38
RECE! A D d':
SENATE
S.B. No. 2715
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT DECLARING THE MARAMO SECTION OF THE ANGAT 
RIVER SYSTEM IN BARANGAY SAN MATEO, MUNICIPALITY OF 
NORZAGARAY, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AN ECOTOURISM 
DESTINATION, TO BE KNOWN AS THE MARAMO NATURE 
RESERVE
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Declaration as Ecotourism Zone. - The Maramo section of the 
Angat River System in Barangay San Mateo, Municipality of Norzagaray, Province of 
Bulacan, is hereby declared an ecotourism destination, and shall be known as the 
“Maramo Nature Reserve.” Pursuant thereto, the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall 
support and prioritize the development of the area subject to the rules and regulations 
governing the development of ecotourism zones.
SEC. 2. Tourism Development Plan. - Within one (1) year after the approval 
of this Act, the municipal government of Norzagaray shall, in coordination with the 
DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other 
concerned government agencies, prepare a tourism development plan which shall 
include the construction, installation and maintenance of appropriate facilities and 
infrastructure to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan 
shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources 
of the area: Provided, further. That the implementation of the tourism development 
plan shall be included in the budget of the municipal government of Norzagaray.
SEC. 3. Assistance to the Local Government Unit. - The DOT shall provide 
technical assistance in tourism capacity building to the municipal government of 
Norzagaray for the proper implementation of the tourism development plan. The DOT 
shall also include the Municipality of Norzagaray in its national and regional promotion 
programs.


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SEC. 4. Funding. - The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be 
included in the annual budget of the municipal government of Norzagaray. The DOT 
may augment such allocation with internally-generated funds.
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations - Within sixty (60) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the municipal government of Norzagaray shall, in consultation 
with the DOT, DENR and other concerned agencies of the government, promulgate 
the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full 
force and effect.
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, 
proclamations, presidential decrees, and other issuances inconsistent with any of the 
provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.
SEC. 8. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,