Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.__1664

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

One of the emerging tourist destinations in the Province of Romblon is the Binucot
Beach area, located in Barangay Bunsoran in the Municipality of Ferrol. The beach itself is
known for its powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. The area also takes pride in its
marine sanctuary and its Turtle Hatchery which play essential roles in the marine ecosystem
and in the daily lives of the local inhabitants.

Aside from its enamoring beauty, the Binucot Beach area is also home to the Mabaho
Cave, which serves as a safe habitation of various species of bats which is equally
complemented by unique and beautiful rock formations of stalactite and stalagmite,
guaranteed to fascinate people visiting the place. Even just this cave alone stands as “a must”
for foreign and local tourists who love to engage in spelunking activities.

It is, therefore, believed that the Binucot Beach area has an enormous tourism
potential which, unfortunately as of today, lies unknown to the world. However, given the
proper caring and sustainable tourism development which it highly deserves, this area
would definitely provide a source of revenue for the local government and local businesses,
provide job opportunities to the community, improve its basic services, and most of all,
contribute to the overall development of indigenous tourism areas which the Philippines is
famous for.

Thus, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ELEANDRO JESUS:


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRE:!
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._1664

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA.

AN ACT
DECLARING THE BINUCOT BEACH AREA, LOCATED IN BARANGAY
BUNSORAN, MUNICIPALITY OF FERROL, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON, AN
ECOTOURISM DESTINATION

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

SECTION 1. The Binucot Beach area, located in Barangay Bunsoran in the Municipality
of Ferrol, Province of Romblon, is hereby declared an ecotourism destination. Pursuant thereto, its
development shall be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to
the rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act. the Municipal Government of
Ferrol 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: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation

and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the arca: Provided further, That the


implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of the Municipal
Government of Ferrol.

SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the Municipal Government of Ferrol in the implementation
of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It
shall also include the Binucot Beach area in its national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
budget of the Municipal Government of Ferrol.

The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), if
necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA’s program.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal Government
of Ferrol shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government,
promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, and other issuances inconsistent
with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended 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,