Republic of the Phiiippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Reguiar Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 
Introduced by Representative REYNOLDS MICHAEL T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NoTE 
This bill seeks to deciare the Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge as an 
ecotourism site in the Municipality of Basey, Province of Samar. 
The Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge is one of the most sought-after 
tourist destinations in the Province of Samar and is internationally known 
for its natural beauty featuring cathedral-shaped caves, unique limestone 
formations, subterranean rivers, lush green forest and a natural stone 
bridge. 
The most popular feature of Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge is the 
natural stone bridge which connects two mountains. Severai caves are aiso 
found in the area and the largest of which is the Panhulugan Cave. Unique 
and interesting limestone formations can be seen inside the caves that 
attract tourists and locals alike. 
The deciaration of Sohoton Caves and Naturai Bridge 
as 
an 
ecotourism site will not only result to the development and improvement of 
the tourist site but will likewise help in the furtherance of socio-economicC 
development in the local communities as well as in the whole country. 
As embodied in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the State shail 
protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature fhe same Bil1 
was filed by Hon. Sharee Ann Tan last 18th Congress. In light of al\ this, the 
immediate passage of this house measure is earnestiy soyghi. 
REYNOLDS MICHAEL T. TAN 
Second District, Samar 
August 2, 2022
1:39 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 
Introduced by Representative REYNOLDS MICHAEL T. TAN 
AN ACT 
DECLARING SOHOTON CAVES AND NATURAL BRIDGE IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF BASEY, PROVINCE OF SAMAR AN ECOTOURISM 
sITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "Sohoton Caves and 
Natural Bridge Ecotourism Act." 
SECTION2. Declaration of Policy 
The 1987 Philippine Constitution 
mandates 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. 
Accordingly, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote an 
ecologically-sustainable and effective tourist industry that will enhance 
environmental preservation and support socio-economic development. 
SECTION 3. The Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Ecotourism Site. 
The Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge in the Municipality of Basey, 
Province of Samar is hereby declared as an 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 ecotourism sites. 
The DOT, in coordination with the concerned local government units 
as well as with the other concerned government agencies, shall prepare a 
tourism development plan for Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge which shall 
be incorporated in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), 
pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as "The Tourism Act of 
2009", and which shall also include the construction and maintenance of 
infrastructure and facilities in the area; Provided, That the development plan 
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shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the scenery and resources 
of the area. 
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty (60) days 
after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DOT, in consultation with 
the concerned local government units, the Tourism Infrastructure and 
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other agencies, shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
SECTION 5. Appropriations. 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 internaly
generated funds of the DOT. 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, 
executive orders or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby 
deemed repealed or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,