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Ze Rea
Republic of the Philippines la

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, fe RECEIVEN
Quezon City a =

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

nouse Bio. 3072

Introduced by HON. JOHN TRACY F. CAGAS

AN ACT DECLARING PASSIG ISLET OF BARANGAY BATO IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF STA, CRUZ, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR AS AN AQUA-
ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Passig Islet of Barangay Bato in the Municipality of Sta.
Cruz, Province of Davao del Sur as an aqua-ecotourism site.

The Passig Islet, an aqua-eco park resort is one of the most sought-after tourist
destinations in the province because of its serene environment, clear water and white sand.
Being an archipelago, it is not uncommon in the Philippines to find little islets situated near
bigger islands, but Davao del Sur’s petite paradise will give you a surprise with its beauty and
unique terrain

Little is known about this treasure, the islet which stretches for anout a hectare was
first occupied by coastguards and served as a hangout place of the locals Realizing its
potential, the island was then tured by the local government to a small pocket of paradise by
putting up cottages and surrounding it with tires packed with cement to keep the sand from
eroding.

Currently, to reach the islet, visitors had to walk through a wooden bridge connecting
the islet to the mainland. The walk to the end of the bridge is an experience to behold as it
goes through thick lush mangrove trees leading to the area where pump boats wait. The boat
ride is to be anticipated as well, as it gives a panoramic view of the sea, the islet and the
mountains. Passig Islet, which boasts of an astonishing ambience of tropical treasure, could
casily become a good choice for travelers and locals who want to engage in aqua-ecotourism
activities such nature viewing, bird watching, swimming, picnic, photography and camping.

The lack of allied infrastructure such as spa/massage therapy services and restaurants
to support the Passig Islet however hinders the full socio-economic and environmental
development of the area. There is still a need to enhance the facilities of the aqua-eco park



resort as the cottages and bridge are already old, Developing this barangay into an aqua-
ecotourism site will provide employment opportunities to the local residents and create influx
of tourists.

This bill has been previously approved in the House of Representatives during the 18"
Congress as filed by Hon. Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas and was transmitted to the Senate but
was not taken up due to the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic.

In view of the policy of the state to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically
sustainable, responsible, participative, a culturally sensitive, economically viable and
ethically and socially equitable for local communities, as declared in republic Act 9593,
otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009,” the approval of this bills is intently
recommended.

JOHN T! vy F. CAGAS.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

HoUsE BILL No. 3072

Introduced by HON. JOHN TRACY F. CAGAS

AN ACT DECLARING PASSIG ISLET OF BARANGAY BATO IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF STA, CRUZ, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR AS AN AQUA-
ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION I. Title. - This Act shall be known as “Passig Islet Aqua-ecotourism Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is 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,

SECTION 3. Passig Islet Aqua-ecotourism Site. ~ Passig Islet of Barangay Bato in the
Municipality of Star Cruz. Province of Davao de! Sur is hereby declared an aqua-ecotourism
site. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be

subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of the aqua-ecotourism site.

The DOT shall prepare a development plan that ensures the preservation and
conservation of the natural resources of the area. ‘The plan should also include construction
and maintenance of necessary facilities to enhance the aqua-ecotourism area and ensure

optimum utilization of assets and resources available.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — It shall be the responsibility of
DOT to promote Passig Islet as an aqua-ecotourism destination in all its national, regional


and local promotion programs. DOT, in consultation with the province of Davao Del Sur and
the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) shall promulgate the

necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Appropriations. ~ The funding of this act shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of DOT, the year following its

enactment into law and thereafter.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. If any provision of this shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full

force and effect.
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations,
executive orders, proclamations and administrative regulations, or any part or parts thereof,

which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,