NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
Senate
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•22 OCT 24 P2:23
RECEIVED BY;
SEN
S.B. No fill
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAYTALA IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ORANI, PROVINCE 
OF BATAAN AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 provides that, "The State 
declares tourism as an indispensable element of the national economy and an industry 
of national interest and importance, which must be harnessed as an engine of socio­
economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange, 
and employment, and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all 
Filipinos." Hence, it is the policy of the State to accord priority status to sustainable, 
vibrant and profitable tourism development.
The tourism sector is becoming a more significant source of economic success 
by generating job opportunities. The total number of visitors that arrives to the 
Philippines as tourists and sightseers significantly aided in the improvement of the 
economy and the rise of the Philippines as a tourist destination.
Barangay Tala is home of the Bataan National Park, which is renowned 
throughout Bataan for its tranquil natural beauty and distinctive topography. The 
Sinagtala Farm Resort and Retreat Park is another reason that Barangay Tala is well- 
known. Barangay Tala's designation as a local eco-tourism zone will undoubtedly 
increase its long-term viability as a tourist destination. However, the barangay's 
socioeconomic and environmental development is hampered by the lack of auxiliary 
infrastructure and facilities including hotels, lodges, campers, potable water supply, 
and public transportation. If Barangay Tala receives the amenities and facilities required


to reach the full extent of its potential as a tourist destination, it may be developed into 
a premier ecotourism region.
Thus, this bill seeks to declare Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani, 
Province of Bataan as eco-tourism zone. All Tala residents and those in nearby towns 
will get a stronger sense of history and pride as a result of the development of this 
barangay into an eco-tourism zone, which will also help to advertise the Bataan National 
Park as a tourist destination. Furthermore, it will create jobs for locals, and with the 
influx of tourists, the eco-tourism zone will be a significant source of business 
opportunities.
For the abovementioned reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
IMEE R. MARCO^


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SEr
72 OCT 24 P2 23
RtCElVED BY;_
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
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AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY TALA IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ORANI, PROVINCE 
OF BATAAN 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. This Art shall be known as "Tala Ecotourism Zone Act."
SEC. 2. 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 equitably beneficial to local communities.
SEC. 3. Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani, Province of Bataan is hereby 
declared an ecotourism zone. 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.
The DOT shall prepare the development plan for Barangay Tala and shall 
incorporate the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), 
pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as "The Tourism Art of 2009. 
The plan shall be implemented jointly with the Municipality of Orani, the local Protected 
Area Management Board (PAMB), the Bataan National Park (BNP) and the Tourism 
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Orani, PAMB, BNP, TIEZA and 
other concerned agencies of the government, shall identify well-defined geographic 
areas within Barangay Tala ecotourism zone, which shall include the Bataan National


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Park and existing infrastructure and facilities therein, and ensure the integrated 
development of these areas for the optimum utilization of natural assets and 
attractions, as well as the preservation of their historic significance.
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. Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of 
the DOT, in consultation with the Municipality of Orani, PAMB, BNP, TIEZA, shall 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this 
Act.
SEC. 6. All laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations and other issuances, or 
parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly.
SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,