Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._ 5056

Introduced by Honorable Herminia B. Roman

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani,
Province of Bataan as eco-tourism zone.

It is the policy of the State to accord priority status to sustainable, vibrant
and profitable tourism development as one of the engines of socio-economic
growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and
employment. Environmentally sound and community participatory tourism
programs have spurred socio and economic development in the tourism
industry. In today's growth trend, the problem of unemployment remains
unresolved. Tourism-related sector is becoming an’ increasingly important
source of economic prosperity by way of creating job opportunities. The total
number of arrivals of tourists and sightseers to the Philippines has greatly
contributed to the improved economy and to our country’s status as a rising
tourist destination.

Barangay Tala, a part of the Bataan Natural Park, is one of the most
sought-after tourist destinations in Bataan for its serene and natural beauty and
unique terrain. It is famous for its cool climate comparable to Baguio and at
present undergoing development of various resorts. The declaration of Barangay
Tala as local eco-tourism zone will definitely help enhance its continued
tourism viability. Further, Barangay Tala could be easily developed into a first-
class eco-tourism zone if it is equipped with amenities and facilities
complementing its full potential as a tourism venue.

Lack of sufficient lodging facilities and round the clock public
transportation hinder the socioeconomic and environmental development of the


area. Developing this barangay into an eco-tourism zone will mold and enhance
a sense of history and pride for all residents of Tala and neighboring
communities, thereby promoting the Bataan National Park as a tourist
destination. Further, it will provide employment opportunities to local residents
and with the influx of tourists, the eco-tourism zone will be a significant source
of business opportunities.

bill is earnestly sought.

Nereis OP

HERMINIA B. ROMAN

In view of the foregoing, passage of t


Republic of the Philippines
House Or ReprEsENTATIVvES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO, __ _5056

Introduced by Honorable Herminia B. Roman

AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY TALA IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ORANI,
PROVINCE OF BATAAN AS  ECO-TOURISM ZONE AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 “Tala Eco-Tourism
Zone Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — Ivis 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,

Towards this end, Barangay Tala in Orani, Bataan shall be accorded priority
development by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as eco-tourism zone and shall
be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism

zones.

Bill Drafting Service


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. 3. Barangay Tala Eco-Tourism Zone. — Barangay Tala in Orani,
Bataan is hereby declared as eco-tourism zone, The Tourism Development Plan of
the Municipality of Orani shall be-incorporated in the overall National Tourism
Development Plan of the DOT pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise
known as the “The Tourism Act of 2009,” and shall be jointly implemented with

the Municipality of Orani, Bataan, local Protected Area Management Board

(PAMB) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Orani, PAMB, and
TIEZA and other government agencies, shall delineate well-defined geographic
areas within Barangay Tala Eco-Tourism Zone and coordinate the integrated
development of the area for the optimum use of natural assets and attractions,
which shall include part of the Bataan National Park, as well as existing
infrastructure and facilities. The development shall ensure the preservation and
historic significance of the identified tourist attraction.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations, — The Secretary of Tourism,
in consultation with the Municipality of Orani, PAMB and TIEZA, shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of

this Act.

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. 5. Appropriations. — The Secretary of Tourism shall immediately

include in the program of the DOT 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.

SE

6. Repealing Clause. ~ A\l laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations
and other issuances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazerte or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,