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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2698

Introduced by REP. ANTHONY G. DEL ROSARIO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare as an eco-cultural tourism zone the Municipality of
Talaingod in Davao del Norte and establish thereby a Cultural Heritage Village.

The Philippine Constitution, under Sec. 22 of Art. Il provides that “the State
recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the
framework of national unity and development. The Constitution also provides under Sec. 17
Art. XIV, that the State shall recognize, respect and protect the rights of indigenous cultural
communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and institutions. It shall
consider these rights in the formulation of national plans and policies.

Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, as a matter of policy declared tourism
as an indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national interest
and importance, which must be hamessed 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.

Considering these Constitutional and statutory provisions, the proposed measure
aims for the Municipality of Talaingod in the province of Davao del Norte to be declared as
an eco-cultural tourism zone and seeks to establish a cultural heritage village that will
promote and develop the distinctive customs and traditions of the indigenous peoples of the
area.

Primarily as a result of it's topography, Talaingod has a vantage view of the nearby
Municipalities of Kapalong and Sto. Tomas to the east, the City of Panabo towards
southeast and, due south, the Cities of Davao and the Island Garden City of
Samal(IGACOS). Natural landscapes and pristine waters from lakes and rivers offer
breathtaking experience for travellers wanting to escape the concrete jungle of the city and
retire to the laidback rural setting of Talaingod. For the thrill seekers, several caves, rock
walls and the maze of the Talaingod jungle will definitely satisfy the adventurous spirits in
constant search for new discoveries and conquests.

But what has been proven time and again is that the Ata-Manobo people and their
tribal culture are Talaingod’s most famous attraction. As can be gleaned from feedback of
previous activities and outings, the tribal culture scored the highest in terms of positive and
long lasting impression than any other aspect of the over all cultural setting in the
municipality of Talaingod. The unique tribal culture of the Ata-Manobo creates interest
especially among non indigenous people.


Being so, the Municipality of Talaingod is considered as the Lumad Capital of the
Davao Region.

Realizing the true tourism value of the locality, being an irreplaceable attraction in the
cultural tourism that will directly benefit the economic welfare of the people as well as
preserve the culture of the indigenous people of the area, it only makes sense to have the
area declared as an eco-cultural tourism zone and thereby establish a cultural heritage
village that will serve as the center of the Lumad populace in the Davao region.

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

Al G. DEL ROSARIO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2693

Introduced by REP. ANTHONY JEL ROSARIO

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF TALAINGOD, DAVAO DEL NORTE AS AN ECO-
CULTURAL TOURISM ZONE ESTABLISHING FOR THE PURPOSE THE TALAINGOD
CULTURAL HERITAGE VILLAGE, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT 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 Talaingod in Davao del Norte is hereby declared as
an eco- cultural tourism zone, establishing for the purpose the Talaingod Cultural Heritage
Village. As such it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of
tourist zones.

SEC. 2. The Department of Tourism, in coordination with the local government units
concerned, the Representative of the First Congressional District of Davao del Norte and
other concemed agencies of the government shall, within one (1) year after the approval
of this Act, prepare a development plan involving the construction, installation and
maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure which shall enhance tourism
in the area; Provided that the said development plan shall ensure the preservation and
conservation of the of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the area. Consideration
must also be given to the formulation, development and implementation of programs and
strategies that will generate livelihood and employment opportunities for the local
inhabitants of the area.

SEC. 3. The Department of Tourism shalll take immediate steps in implementing the
tourism development plan that will suit the natural characteristics of the area and shall
incorporate the same in its overall development plans and programs for national
implementation.

SEC. 4. It shall also be the responsibility of the Department of Tourism to promote
Talaingod and the cultural heritage village that will be constructed and established as
tourism areas in all its national, regional and local promotion programs.

SEC. 5. The Department of Tourism shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.


SEC. 6. The Department of Tourism shall include in the Department's program the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be charged against the internally
generated funds of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA)
and/or the appropriations in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. All laws, rules , regulations , proclamations , executive orders or parts
thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,