Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City.

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 8102

Introduced by Representative Diego “Nonoy” C. Ty

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With tourism regarded as an indispensable element of national economy and an
industry of national interest and importance, this proposed measure seeks to declare the
Bawbawon Island in the Municipality of Plaridel, Province of Misamis Occidental as
tourist destination.

Facing the Mindanao Sea and with a total land area of twenty-three (23) hectares,
the Bawbawon Island is endowed with fine white beaches and green foliage. Although
still undeveloped, the island is already patronized for leisure by local residents coming
not only from its home municipality, but also from the whole province of Misamis
Occidental and its neighboring localities. Foreign guests occasionally visit the island also.
With its natural features, the Bawbawon Island projects a promising future for tourism
and economic aetivities to flourish which, when tapped and managed properly, will
benefit not only the people of Plaridel but also the people of the province.

Given this inclination, it is imperative that proactive measures be taken in order
to make tourism in the Bawbawon Island economically viable as well as ethically and
socially equitable for its residents. When declared as tourist destination, the Bawbawon
Island shall be covered by the relevant programs and projects of the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and other pertinent government agencies such as the creation of a
development plan that includes the construction, installation, and maintenance of
appropriate facilities and infrastructure that will help improve the overall feature of the
island. It will also help ensure tourism will be ecologically sustainable and responsible as
its preservation and conservation will also be prioritized through approaches such as the
National Ecotourism Strategy and the National Tourism Development Plan.

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

{rst District, Misamis Occidental


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bitno, 8102

Introduced by Representative Diego “Nonoy” C. Ty

AN ACT
DECLARING THE BAWBAWON ISLAND IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PLARIDEL,
PROVINCE OF MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL A TOURIST DESTINATION, 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 Bawbawon Island located in Barangay Panalsalan, Municipality
of Plaridel, Province of Misamis Occidental is hereby declared a tourist destination. As
such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), and shall
be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist destinations.

SEC. 2. The technical description of the Bawbawon Island being declared as tourist
destination are as follows:

From 8° 36’ 00” N to 8° 36’ 36.00” N Latitude
From 123° 43’ 48,00” E to 123° 45’ 36,00” E Longitude

SEC. 3. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in coordination
with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other concerned
agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the
construction, installation, and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
infrastructure that shall improve the overall feature of the area, thereby ensuring the
accessibility and security of tourists.: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure
the preservation and conservation of historic significance of the area: Provided, further,
That any activities and developments to be carried out in the area should conform with
the concept of ecotourism as provided in the National Ecotourism Strategy jointly issued
by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the DOT.

SEC. 4, The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall take immediate steps
to implement the tourism development plan that will suit the needs of Bawbawon Island
and shall incorporate the same in the National Tourism Development Plan.


SEC. 5. 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 from internally generated funds of the DOT.

SEC. 6. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in
consultation with the local government unit of Plaridel, shall promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,