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Republic of the Philippines
Blouse of Representatives

ETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session s

1062

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT DECLARING BARANGAY MALICO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA FE,
PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING

FUNDS THEREFOR.
EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Barangay Malico in the Municipality of Santa Fe, Province of
Nueva Vizcaya an ecotourism zone

Barangay Malico is one of the sixteen (16) barangays in the Municipality of Santa Fe, which
stretches to the municipalities of Santa Rosa in Nueva Ecija, and San Nicolas in Pangasinan, It is a
small barangay with a population of two hundred twenty-six (226) people as determined by the 2015
census, that mostly belong to the /kalahan-Kalanguya tribe. It has an elevation of 1,675 meters
above sea level, which is higher than Baguio City. Its cold weather temperature of seven to nine
degrees Celsius is suitable for growing crops like strawberries, cabbage, carrots, and other upland
vegetables.

Barangay Malico has a picturesque view that offers tourists magnificent landscapes filled with
a pine forest that stretches along the Pangasinan-Nueva Vizcaya road. Every portion of the road is
Instagram-worthy that gives motorists and tourists a breathtaking view of the undiscovered mountain
paradise. The place also offers an amazing view of the sunset over the plains of Nueva Vizcaya and
Pangasinan, Tourists may also have a glimpse of World War II because the remains of the Sherman
tank, which the United States 32” Infantry Division used during the American-Japanese war, still sit
in the middle of the forest. A World War II Peace Memorial Park was also in Barangay Malico, in
honor of thousands of gallant soldiers who died in the war

After exploring the pine forest of Barangay Malico tourists may dive and relax in the cold
water of Hingi and Seven Layer waterfalls

Because of its cultural heritage, rich natural wonders, untouched nature, and unique terrain,
Barangay Malico requires preservation, sustainability as well as development to enhance and
preserve its beauty and progress. It may be recognized as a first-class ecotourism destination if it is
equipped with amenities and facilities complementing its full potential as an ecotourism zone.

The declaration of Barangay Malico as an ecotourism zone will promote its preservation and
will create economic opportunities for local communities.

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

( , ata CUARESMA



Republis of the Ubjitiypines
House of Representatives

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1682

HOUSE BILL Ni

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Loren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT DECLARING BARANGAY MALICO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA FE,
PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Barangay Malico, in the Municipality of Santa Fe, Province of Nueva
Vizcaya is hereby declared an ecotourism zone. Its development shall be prioritized by the
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of
ecotourism zones

SECTION 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT shall, in
coordination with the local government units of the Municipality of Santa Fe and agencies of the
government, prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction, installation, and
maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and facilities that shall encourage tourism in the area
Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural

beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further, That any activities and development 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.

SECTION 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to implement
the tourism development plan that suits the natural characteristics of Barangay Malico, and shall
incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year. It shall also
include Barangay Malico in all its national, regional, and local promotion programs.

SECTION 4. The Secretary of Tourism shall include in the DOT’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.

SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
Tourism shall, in consultation with the local government of the Municipality of Santa Fe, promulgate
the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, or parts thereof inconsistent with
this Act are hereby amended accordingly.

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

Approved,