Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bit no. _ 3086

Introduced by Rep. Reynaldo V. Umali

EXPLANATORY NOTE

_The bill seeks to declare Verde Island Passage as Marine
Protected Area (MPA) and Eco-Tourism Zone.

The Province of Oriental Mindoro is bestowed with various
natural aquatic treasures one of which is known as the Verde Island
Passage.

Verde Island Passage has been described as the "center of the
world’s marine biodiversity” in a joint study by America’s Smithsonian
Institute. The passage is hosts to spectacular reef formations of more
than 300 species of coral and underwater rock canyons that is home
to more than half of the world’s known shore fish species. The Verde
Island Passage is about 100 kilometers in length and about 20
kilometers across at its narrowest point.

Cognizant of the potential of eco-tourism in becoming an
economic pump-primer and the urgency of protecting, conserving and
promoting the sustainable use of the Verde Island Passage, the
proponent strongly recommend the enactment of this bill.

In view of thereof, early consideration arid approval of this bill is

earnestly sought.

. REYNALDO V. UMALI

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
86

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Honorable REYNALDO V. UMALI

AN ACT
SEEKING TO DECLARE VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE AS A MARINE
PROTECTED AREA (MPA) AND ECO-TOURISM ZONE.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. It is hereby declared the policy of the state to protect its
natural resources in relation to the promotion of a sustainable
tourism industry. Towards that end, the country shall formulate
effective strategies conserve its resources and to enable the industry
to become a major source of livelihood and employment as well as
rationalize all efforts pertaining to environmental protection.
Henceforth, aggressive measure seeking to restore the country’s share
in the global tourist market shall be consistent with the preservation
of the natural environment and the ecosystem.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - Pursuant to public policy, the
Verde Island Passage is hereby declared as a Marine Protected Area
and Eco-Tourism Zone. As such, it shall be subject to the rules and
regulations governing the development of eco-tourism zone.
Protections in various areas range from limits on development, fishing
gear types, fishing seasons, catch limits, moorings, to complete bans
on removing marine life of any kind.

SECTION 3. Marine Protected Area and Eco-Tourism Master Plan -
Within a year from the approval of this act, the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, in coordination with the
Department of Tourism, the local government units, and with other
concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare a marine
protected area and eco-tourism master plan, promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations, review and strengthen existing local
structural framework to enhance cooperation and support. Provided
that said development plan shall ensure the preservation of the
natural resources in the area.


SECTION 4.Implementing Agencies - The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, in coordination with the
Department of Tourism, shall take immediate steps to implement said
development program for the ensuing calendar year.

SECTION 5. Promulgation of Rules and Regulations - The
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, together with the
Department of Tourism, shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Appropriation - The amount necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act shall be taken from the appropriation of the
General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into
law and thereafter.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is
held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the
provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved.