Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 2373

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE CHERYL P. DELOSO-MONTALLA

AN ACT
DECLARING THE SAGRADA FAMILIA CAVES IN ZAMBALES AS AN
ECOTOURISM ZONE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

One of the most amazing sites that the Municipality of Sta. Cruz in the province of
Zambales can boast of are the Sagrada Familia Caves. The Sagrada Familia Caves are series of
caves that are popular tourist spots for avid spelunkers. The collective name of the caves was
derived from the formation of stalagmites in one of the caves that resembled the structure of the
holy family. Hence, the name Sagrada Familia which is the Spanish translation of the phrase “holy
family”.

Sagrada Familia caves is a popular tourist attraction to local and foreign tourists especially
during the holy week because of the belief that climbing up the mountain to reach the “holy” cave
is a form of penance. A few crevices on the roof of the caves allow penetration of sunlight that
makes it easy for anyone to appreciate the beautiful rock and mineral formations within. Majority
of the caverns, however, could not be seen as they are shrouded in darkness but this gives an eerie
but spectacular feeling of oneness with nature. The textured stairs leading to the caves are made
up of coral fragments alongside the cliff. These coralline remnants are scientific proof that millions
of years ago the area was part of the ocean floor.

Despite the hidden beauty of the Sagrada Familia Caves and the frequency of tourist visits
in the area, no comprehensive plan has ever been made to ensure the protection of the caves. It is
not only for the tourist potential but also for the scientific significance of these caves that an
independent body must be made in order that the Sagrada Familia Caves must be preserved while
taking into consideration the possible problems that might deter or hamper its full development as
a scientific and tourist destination area.

This bill was approved on 3"! Reading by the House of Representatives during the 16" and
17 Congresses. However, it only reached the 2™ Reading in the Senate. Due to the importance of
preserving the beauty of the Sagrada Familia Caves, this bill is being refilled.

Immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

CHERYL P. DELOSO Mt
Representative
2™' District, Zambales



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2373
HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE CHERYL P. DELOSO-MONTALLA

AN ACT
DECLARING THE SAGRADA FAMILIA CAVES IN ZAMBALES AS AN
ECOTOURISM ZONE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the state to
promote a sustainable ecotourism industry to attract local and foreign tourists while making them
aware of the urgent need to preserve the blessings of nature.

SECTION 2. Sagrada Familia Caves Ecotourism Zone. - The Sagrada Familia Caves is
hereby declared an ecotourism zone.

SECTION 3. Sagrada Familia Caves Ecotourism Governing Board. - For the purpose of
Section 2 of this Act, an ecotourism governing board, to be known as the Sagrada Familia Caves
Ecotourism Governing Board, is hereby created. The board shall be composed of the Governor of
the Province of Zambales who shall act as Chairman, the Representative of the Second District of
Zambales who shall act as Co-chair, the Secretaries of the Department of Tourism and the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources or their duly authorized representatives, a
member of a non-government organization whose advocacy is environmental preservation, a
member of the academe, a representative of the business sector and a representative of the private
sector. The governing board shall prepare the rules and regulations necessary for the full
implementation by the concerned local government units of the provisions of this Act and shall,
as the need arises, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet the needs of
changing times.

SECTION 4. Sagrada Familia Caves Ecotourism Master Plan. - The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall, within
one hundred twenty (120) days from approval of this Act, develop a master plan to be approved
by the President of the Republic of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the governing
board.

SECTION 5. Appropriation. - The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's
program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act and/or the internally-generated fund of the Department.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders,
presidential decrees or any other issuance contrary to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of
this Act are hereby deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act may be declared
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions which are not affected shall remain in full force and
effect.


SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazeute.

Approved,