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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Brit No.__248

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Constitution provides that the State shall protect and advance the
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm
and harmony of nature (Section 16, Article II)

This bill seeks to declare Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Barangay
San Antonio, Cabagan, Province of Isabela as ecotourism site.

Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as Critical Habitat by
virtue of Department of Environment (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2012-01 in
order to protect the habitat and population of the endemic and threatened Philippine
Wild Duck (Anasluzonica) and other migratory water bird species dependent on the
area.It covers an approximate area of one hundred seventy-eight and 80/100
(178.80) hectares. The sanctuary has three (3) lagoons namely Malasi Lake Dakal,
Malasi Lake Baddi and Macabanning which have been used as habitat of the
Philippine Wild Duck and other migratory birds.

The declaration of the Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary as Biodiversity
and Eco-tourism site willhelp conserve, protect, manage and develop the natural
resources found therein. It will likewise generate employment opportunities for the
locals in the area that will help them improve their socio-economic condition.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

REP. a “TONYPET” T. ALBANO


Ce ernanewonn

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 246

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO

AN ACT
DECLARING MALASI TREE PARK AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY LOCATED IN
BARANGAY SAN ANTONIO, MUNICIPALITY OF CABAGAN, PROVINCE OF
ISABELA, AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary located in Barangay
San Antonio, Municipality of Cabagan, Province of Isabela is hereby declared an
ecotourism zone. As such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),

subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of Ecotourism zones.

SECTION 2. The Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Development Council,
hereinafter referred to as the Council, is hereby created. It shall be composed of fifteen
(15) members, as follows:

a) Ex Officio Members

1) Mayor of the municipality of Cabagan, as Chairperson

2) Head of the Municipal Tourism Office of the Municiplaity of Cabagan, as Vice
Chairperson;

3) Head of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of the
Municipality of Cabagan;

4) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Isabela;

5) Barangay Chairperson of Barangay San Antonio;

6) Director of Biodiversity Management Bureau;


RwnNe

a

ec ar)a

10

12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

7) Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA);

8) Regional Director of DOT-Region II;

9) Regional Director of DENR-Region II;

10) Regional Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Region
Ul;

11) DENR Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Officer of Isabela:
and

12) Chairperson of the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management
Council of the Municipality of Cabagan.

b) Members Who Shall Represent Sectoral Concerns

1) One (1) representative from an academic institution, preferably from a
university or college in the Province of Isabela, with proven track record in or
related to ecotourism and critical habitat management;

2) One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably a resident of the
Province of Isabela, who is distinguish in a profession or field of interest
relevant to ecotourism and critical habitat management; and

3) One (1) representative from either non-government organization (NGO) or
people’s organization (PO) duly accredited both by the DENR and the
provincial government of Isabela. The NGO or PO represented should have
been in existence for at least five (5) years with proven track or record ina
related to ecotourism or critical habitat management.

The ex officio clective members of the Council shall serve for the duration of

their respective terms of office to which they are elected.

The ex offi

appointive members of the Council shall serve for the duration of
the period they hold the office to which they are appointed.

The sectoral members of the Council shall be selected by the ex officio members
in a fair and transparent manner. They shall each serve a term of three 93) years and
may be reappointed for another term

The members of the Council shall serve without compensation, but shall be
authorized to actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in the
performance of their duties, either in their attendance in meeting of the Council or in

connection with other official business authorized by a resolution of the Council, subject


ae wne

eo arna

10

12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

to existing rules and regulations. Each member shall have the full capacity and
accountability for decisions binding to the member's sector.
The municipal government of Cabagan shall provide a Secretariat for the Council

and the necessary funds to defray the expenses to be incurred by the Secretariat in the

performance of their duties and responsi

SECTION 3. The Council shall have the following functions:

a) Formulate and implement the Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Development Plan, in consultation with the local residents, businesses, and other
stakeholders;

b) Assess and evaluate the potential impact of the development to the
environmental safety and well-being of the ecotourism zone, communities, and
enterprises;

©) Provide technical and financial assistance to the communities within the
ecotourism zone;

d) Formulate rules and regulation in relation to the maintenance and
security f the ecotourism zone; and

e) Perform other functions as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of
this Act.

SECTION 4. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, The Council shall
prepare the Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Development Plan to enhance
tourism in the area and ensure that the existing ecosystem, endemic wildlife species, as
well as migratory species, and naturally occurring flora and fauna and their habitats, are
preserved and protected. The Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Development
Pian shall be formulated and implemented in accordance with the Malasi Tree Park and
Wildlife Sanctuary Critical Habitat Management Plan and pursuant to the provisions of
Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the “Wildlife Resources Conversation and
Protection Act”. It shall be incorporated in the National Tourism Development Plan of
the Department of Tourism pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the

“Tourism Act of 2009”

SECTION 5. The joint responsibility over the management of the Malasi Tree
Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Critical Habitat as mandated under the DENR


erYvaneuone

1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

Administrative Order No.2012-01 shall be transferred from the DENR Region II Office
and the municipal government of Cabagan, to the Council, For this purpose, The DENR
Region II Office and the municipal government of Cabagan shall coordinate with the
Council and provide the necessary technical assistance to ensure the continued
implementation of the Critical Habitat Management Plan.

The transfer of management of the Malsi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Critical Habitat shall include all applicable funds, records, property, assets, liabilities,
equipment, and personnel: Provided, That all personnel presently employed by the
DENR-Region II Office and the municipal government of Cabagan for the purpose shall
continue their service without diminution of rank, base pay, allowance, and other

benefits authorized under existing laws.

SECTION 6. The Secretaries of DOT and DENR shall include in their respective
Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be
included in the annual General Appropriation act, and shall augment such allocation

with internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 7. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT
shall, in coordination with the DENR, the TIEZA and the municipal government of
Cabagan, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 8. If any part of provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or

invalid, the other parts of provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules and
regulations or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of this

Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 10. This Act shall take effect fifteen (150 days after its publication in

the Official Gazette or in a newspaper or general circulation,

Approved,