CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.No._1135

BY REPRESENTATIVE FERNANDO T. CABREDO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Municipality of Jovellar in the province of Albay as an
ecotourism zone.

It is worth noting that during the previous Congress, this bill was approved by the House
of Representatives on Third Reading and was transmitted to the Senate. Unfortunately, the
Senate was not able to act on it on time.

Located in Jovellar are tourist spots that have tremendous tourism potential such as the
Quitinday Falls, caves and underground river and the Quipia River that runs all the way to
butanding-famous Donsol in Sorsogon.

Developing Jovellar into an ecotourism zone will generate investment and foreign
exchange in the area and will also provide employment opportunities for local residents. With
the influx of tourists, the ecotourism zone will be a significant source of business opportunities.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly requested.


CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.No.__ 1135

BY REPRESENTATIVE FERNANDO T. CABREDO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOVELLAR IN THE PROVINCE OF
ALBAY 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 Municipality of Jovellar in the Province of Albay, famous for its
Sigpit/Quitinday Falls and underground river and caves, is hereby declared an ecotourism zone.
As such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), and shall be
subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones.

SEC. 2. The DOT, in coordination with the local government units concemed, the
Representative of the Third Congressional District of Albay and other concerned agencies of the
government shall, within one (1) year after the, approval of this Act, prepare a tourism
development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate
facilities and infrastructure as shall encourage tourism in the area: Provided, That the said
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and
indigenous flora amd fauna therein: Provided, further, That the development plan shall include


the formulation, development and implementation of programs and strategies that will generate

ihood and employment opportunities for the local residents in the area.

SEC. 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development plan and
incorporate the same in its overall development program for the ensuing calendar year. It shall
also include the Municipality of Jovellar in all its national, regional and local promotion
programs.

SEC. 4. 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 internally generated funds of the DOT.

SEC. 5. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders or parts thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby modified or amended accordingly.

Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of generai circulation.

Approved,