Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 391
Introduced by: Representative RUTH MANGUDADATU SAKALURAN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Municipality of Columbio in the Province of Sultan
Kudarat as an Eco-Tourism Zone.

Columbio is home to a wealth of scenic natural landscapes, including mountains,
forests, rivers, and rock formations, found in nearly nine of its sixteen barangays. These
natural wonders have made Columbio one of the most promising tourist destinations in
Sultan Kudarat.

The municipality is particularly known for its forest and nature parks, hiking and
ecological trails, river adventures, and striking rock formations. Its wide array of eco-
tourism offerings makes it an ideal eco-tourism zone designation. Declaring Columbio
as such will enhance its potential by attracting more visitors, increasing investments,
and justifying the development of essential tourism facilities and services. Currently,
the growing influx of tourists is a testament to Columbio’s appeal. However, a formal
recognition and support through national policy will ensure the municipality's
development into a top-tier eco-tourism destination.

This proposal aligns with Section 2 of Republic Act No. 9593, also known as the
Tourism Act of 2009, which declares tourism as an indispensable element of national
development. It recognizes tourism as a driver of socio-economic growth, cultural
preservation, employment generation, and national pride.

Investing in the preservation and promotion of Columbio’s natural beauty offers
sustainable, healthful, and long-term benefits—not only for tourists, but also for local
communities and the environment. Eco-tourism supports conservation, fosters
environmental awareness, and distributes economic opportunities more equitably.


In sum, the development of Columbio as an eco-tourism zone will boost local and
national revenue, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and elevate the municipality’s
image as a premier destination for nature-based tourism.

The approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

RUTH fsa scvans

Representative
First District, Sultan Kudarat


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

91

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REP. RUTH MANGUDADATU SAKALURAN

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF COLUMBIO, PROVINCE OF
SULTAN KUDARAT, A TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA

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

SECTION 1. The Municipality of Columbio, Province of Sultan Kudarat, is hereby
declared a tourism development area (TDA), and hereinafter shall be referred to as the
Columbio TDA.

SEC. 2. The Columbio TDA hereby includes the following areas within the
municipality that are endowed with scenic landscapes, natural attractions and historical
significance:

1. La Palmera Mountain Ridges;

2. Asmakol Water Park;

3. Fetam Klego Underground River Park;

4. Kolongled Bamboo Forest and Nature Park;

5. Kawing Forest Reserved and Nature Park;

6. Columbio Eco-Tourism Park;

7. Mt. Alip Mountain Ranges Eco-Tourism Adventure Park;

8. Sinalkuhan Trail Adventure;

9. Bitter Lion's Eco Adventure Park;


10. Columbio Circumferential Road Trail;

11. Mt. Bolol Lomot Forest Reserved;

12. Bukay El Nature Trail;

13. Abnahaw Eco-Park Polomok Eco Adventure;

14. Pangadilan River Adventure & Rock Formations;

15. Salnaong Cultural Tourism;

16. Tacol Falls;

17. Balaisan Eco Trail;

18. Libertad Ecological and Hiking Trail; and

19. Columbio Eco 360 Eco Trail.

Pursuant thereto, the development of these areas shall be prioritized and supported by
the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of tourism development areas,

SEC. 3. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the municipal government
of Columbio 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 municipality, particularly in identified
areas for tourism development: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the
preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the areas: Provided
further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the
budget of the municipal government of Columbio.

SEC. 4. The DOT shall assist the municipal government of Columbio in the

implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism


capacity building. It shall also include the Municipality of Columbio in its national and
regional promotion programs.

SEC. 5. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
budget of the municipal government of Columbio. The DOT may augment such allocation with
internally-generated funds.

SEC. 6. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the municipal
government of Columbio shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the
government. promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 7. If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the
other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees. and other issuances
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended
accordingly.

SEC. 9. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,