Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. ___
Introduced by HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN of the Lone District of Basilan
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This measure seeks to declare Lampinigan Island in the City of Isabela, Province of
Basilan, an ecotourism zone.
Lampinigan Island is one of the jewels of Basilan tucked within the jurisdiction of the
province’s capital city. It has a long stretch of white sand beaches and pristine waters. It is
located in the barangay with the same name, and is home to a small community with over 300
households.
The island is a premier tourism spot in Isabela City that is being frequented by
thousands of visitors both foreign and local every year. As far as white beaches go,
Lampinigan Island is said to be one of the best white beaches in the country, at par with more
popular ones such as Boracay Island.
Tourism in the island is a booming industry that provides livelihood not only to the
community of Barangay Lampinigan, but to residents of Isabela City and nearby
municipalities. The local economy benefits from the influx of local and foreign tourists in the
island.
This is the reason behind this measure. Lampinigan Island can be so much more given
the right development. This bill is envisioned to develop the tourism hotspot as a world-class
destination by declaring it as an ecotourism zone.
It also aims to ensure the development and protection of the area, provide livelihood,
boost tourism, maintain the natural beauty and preserve the resources therein. It requires a
planned and sustainable development to enhance and preserve its natural and unspoiled
beauty.
February 14, 2023
1:47 pm
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In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN
Representative
Lone District of Basilan
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. ___
Introduced by HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN of the Lone District of Basilan
AN ACT DECLARING LAMPINIGAN ISLAND IN THE CITY OF ISABELA,
PROVINCE OF BASILAN AS AN ECOTOURISM SITE, PROVIDING FOR ITS
DEVELOPMENT, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Lampinigan Ecotourism
Site Act”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote a sustainable and effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and
foreign. Towards this end, the country shall rationalize all efforts to make the tourism
industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for economic development. Moreover,
measures shall be taken to ensure that tourism development is consistent with the national
policy of protecting and conserving the natural environment thereat.
SEC. 3. The Lampinigan Ecotourism Site – The Lampinigan Island, which is
located in the City of Isabela, Province of Basilan, is hereby declared an ecotourism site. As
such, its development and protection, shall become part of the priorities of the Department of
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Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other
concerned government agencies, and shall be subject to applicable laws, rules, and
regulations that govern the development and protection of ecotourism sites.
SEC. 4. The Lampinigan Ecotourism Development Plan – Within one (1) year
from the approval of this Act, the DOT, DENR, Local Government of Isabela City in
coordination with the District Representative of the Lone District of Basilan, and other
concerned government agencies and civil society organizations, shall formulate the
Lampinigan Ecotourism Development Plan involving the construction, installation, and
maintenance of appropriate facilities and infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in
Lampinigan Island: Provided, that the said development plan shall ensure the preservation
and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality.
SEC. 5. The Lampinigan Ecotourism Board – Within one (1) year from the
approval of this Act, the Lampinigan Ecotourism Board, hereinafter referred to as the Board,
shall be created. It shall be composed of the following:
a.
City Mayor of Isabela City as Chairperson,
b. Representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as Co-Vice Chairperson,
c.
Congressman
of
the
Lone
District
of
Basilan,
or
his
duly
authorized
representative, as member,
d. City Tourism Officer, and City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, as
members, and
e.
Representatives from an accredited Non-Government Organization with tourism
or environmental advocacy, the academe, and the business sector, as members.
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The Board shall ensure that the ecotourism development plan as provided for in
Section 4 of this Act is implemented, and that any programs, projects and activities in
Lampinigan Island are in accordance thereto. Furthermore, the Board is hereby authorized to
propose additions and/or amendments to the development plan, as necessary.
SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days after the
approval of this Act, the DOT and the DENR shall formulate and thereafter issue the rules
and regulations for the implementation of the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 7. Appropriations. – The DOT and the DENR shall include in their respective
agency the funding necessary for the implementation of this Act which shall be included in
the General Appropriations Act.
SEC.
8.
Separability
Clause.
–
Should
any provision herein be declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Act.
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules,
and regulation or parts thereof inconsistent with any provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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