Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVHS
Quezon City
NINETHENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HoUsEi|L`L-No.5282
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA
EXPLANATORY NOTE
With 7,641 islands, the Philippines continue to thrive as one of the best tourism destinations
in tlie world, which is home to spectacular natural wonders, such as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol,
Mayon Volcano of Albay,  and Puerto Princesa  Subterranean River National Park of Palawan.
These wonders make tourism as one of the most promising industries in the country, which remains
to be a powerful engine for a strong and sustained economic growih by creatingjob and investment
opportunities, while preserving and developing our natural wealth for the succeeding generations.
The island Municipality of San Jose of the Province of Romblon used to be called Hambil
and was initially inhabited by the Aetas. As it bears a semblance to a water buffalo's back, it was
later renaned as Isla de Carabao by the Spanish conquistadores Miguel Lopez de Loarca. While
the island is largely untouched, it is yet to be discovered by tourists across the world because it has
the same treasures as powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters found in its famous
counterparts, Boracay and Palawan, without the hustle and bustle for a peaceful, yet memorable
leisure and recreation.
At the minimum, tourists  can frolic in its tropical waters  and witness the sunrise  from
Poblacion beach on the east side, while enjoying the rest of the panoramic viewpoints. The island
offers a variety of experience for tourists like spelunking, cliff jumping, mountain biking, hiking,
kiteboarding and windsurfing. Ultimately, with more than ten (10) dive sites around the island, it
is certainly a promising diving paradise of the country, where tourists can marvel at the beauty of
its underwater landscape with colorful species of fish and kaleidoscopic corals that continue to lure
underwater photographers. Hence, several dive shops were already established in the island that
are fully equipped and managed by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors ¢ADI).
The declaration of Isla de Carabao as a tourism destination is only fitting to continue to
preserve and develop its natural beauty, while achieving its fullest potential as a top tier tourism
destination in the country. It will also generate investments and promote socio-economic activities
that will be beneficial not only to the Municipality of San Jose, but for the entire country as well.
In  view  of the  foregoing,  this bill  is,  therefore,  earnestly recommended  for immediate
approval.
ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETHENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HousEL|LLNo.5282
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE  ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA
AN ACT
DHCLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN JOSH, POPULARLY KNOWN AS
ISLA DE CARABAO, PROVINCII OF ROMBLON, A TOURISM DHSTINATION
Be it  enacted  by  the  Senate   and  House Of Representatives Of the Philippines in  Congress
assembled:
SHCTION  I.  The Municipality  of Sac Jose,  popularly  known as   Isla de  Carabao,
Province of Romblon, is hereby declared a tourism destination. As such, its development shall
be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and
regulations governing the development of tourism destinations.
Sec. 2. Within one (I) year after the approval of this Act, the municipal government of
Sam  Jose  shall,  in  coordination  with  the  DOT,  Department  of Environment  and  Natural
Resources and concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan that
shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate infrastructure
and facilities to enhance tourism in the area: Provj.c7ec7, That said development plan shall ensure
the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty  and resources of the area: jDrov/.cJed
/wr/Aer, That the  implementation  of the tourism development plan  shall be included in the
budget of the municipal government of San lose.
See.   3.   The   DOT   shall   assist   the   municipal   government   of  Sam   Jose   in   the
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism


capacitybuilding.Itshallalsoincludels]adeCarabaoinallitsnationalandregionalpromotion
programs.
See. 4. The funding for the inplementation of this Act shall be included in the armunl
budgetofthemunicipalgovemmentofSanJose.TheDOTmayaugmentsuchallocationwith
intemally-generated funds.
See.S.Withinsixty(60)daysfromtheeffectivityofthisAct,themunicipalgovernment
of San Jose shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the goverrment,
promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.
See. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the OJffJ.cJ.¢/
Gczzef/e or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,