Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _3073

Introduced by HON. JOHN TRACY F. CAGAS

AN ACT DECLARING KAPATAGAN IN DIGOS, DAVAO DEL SUR AS AN
ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Dubbed as the “Baguio City of the South,” Davao del Sur is an ideal travel destination
all year round because of its idyllic climate, giving anyone a relaxing experience and a respite
from the noise of city life.

Located in the province is Kapatagan, which is positioned at the foot of the prominent
Mount Apo --- a breathtaking volcano that has been the subject of many local and
international publications.

Kapatagan has been attracting tourists for years, with its cool weather, green luscious
forests, and the different kinds of adventure it offers.

Imagine spending a day or two on the elevated land of Kapatagan where you will be
enveloped in fog and mountain mist as you traverse through walkways lined with pines and
indulge in the view of towering trees resting in a landscape of wild grass and vegetation.

In here, you will find a variety of flora and fauna such as the Cavendish banana and
the Philippine eagle. In fact, Asian Palm Civets that is red for producing the Civet Coffee,
which is known as the one of the world’s most expensive and rare coffee can also be found in
Kapatagan.

Lastly, because of its proximity to Mount Apo, the Philippines’ highest mountain
peak, Kapatagan has become a major jump of points for mountaineers preparing to ascent the
inactive volcano.

Ecotourism is a growing segment of the global tourism industry that is making
significant positive contributions to the environmental, societal, cultural and economic well-
being of destinations and local communities around the world.


As such, there is a dire need to develop Kapatagan in Digos City, Davao Del Sur as
one of the ecotourism sites in the Philippines not only to enhance its aesthetic value but also
bring economic benefits to its people.

This bill has been previously approved in the House of Representatives during the 18"
Congress as filed by Hon. Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas and was transmitted to the Senate but
was not taken up due to the advent of the COVID 19 pandemic.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is eamestly urged.

JOHN T! F, CAGAS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

House BILL No._3973

Introduced by HON. JOHN TRACY F. CAGAS,

AN ACT DECLARING KAPATAGAN IN DIGOS, DAVAO DEL SUR AS 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. Title. - this Act shall be known as “Kapatagan Ecotourism Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy ~ 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 equitable for local communities.

SECTION 3. Kapatagan Valley Ecotourism Site. - Kapatagan in Digos. Davao Del
Sur is hereby declared 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 shall prepare a development plan that ensures the preservation of the natural
resources of the area. The plan should also include construction and maintenance of
necessary facilities to enhance the eco-agritourism area and ensure optimum utilization of
assets and resources available.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~— It shall be the responsibility of
DOT to promote Barangay Balutakay as an eco-agritourism destination in all its national,
regional and local promotion programs. DOT, in consultation with the province of Davao Del
Sur and the Tourism Infrastructures and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) shall promulgate
the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Appropriations. ~ The funding of this Act shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of DOT, the year following its
enactment into law and thereafter.


SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full
force and effect.

SECTION 7. Repealing Cause, — All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations,
executive orders, proclamations and administrative regulations, or any part or parts thereof,
which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity — This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,