Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Philippines 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Michael B. Gorriceta 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Ecological tourism focuses on maintaining pristine, unspoiled natural environments and 
providing direct financial benefits for conservation and empowerment for local people. It also 
promotes the social, cultural and economic well-being of travel destinations and local 
communities. 
This bill seeks to declare Barangay Bucari in the Municipality of Leon, Province of Iloilo as 
an ecotourism zone. 
Barangay Bucari is known for its cool climate, topography, pine forest and natural scenery. In 
1996, a task force was created through Executive Order Number 170 to initiate the plan to 
develop Barangay Bucari area as the Summer Capital of Iloilo. 
Further recognized by its low temperature and natural sights similar to Baguio City, it is 
considered as the top destination for nature lovers and serenity seekers. This is accentuated 
by its local produce of high value crops and the presence of rare flora and fauna. 
This bill encourages the preservation and maintenance of the natural ecosystem present in 
Barangay Bucari. This also includes the protection of the area and its appropriate 
development for its residents, as well as the local and foreign tourists visiting the area, 
yearning towards its balanced ecology and sustainability. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MICHAEL B. GORRICETA 
September 23, 2022
12:32 pm
5113


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Philippines 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Michael B. Gorriceta 
AN ACT DECLARING BARANGAY BUCARI IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LEON, 
PROVINCE OF ILOILO, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Barangay Bucari in the Municipality of Leon, Province of Iloilo is hereby 
declared as an ecotourism zone. As such, 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 six (6) months after the approval of this Act, the DOT in coordination with 
the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) shall, in coordination with 
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and concerned local government units 
(LGUs) and agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan that shall 
include the construction, installation and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and 
facilities to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure 
the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty, historical significance and resources of 
the area. 
SECTION 3. The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall take immediate steps to 
implement the tourism development plan with and shall incorporate the same in its tourism 
development program for the calendar year immediately succeeding the approval of this 
Act.  
SECTION 4. 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 shall augment such allocation with internally generated funds of 
the Department. 
SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT shall, in 
consultation with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and concerned 
LGUs and government agencies, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the 
proper implementation of this Act. 
5113


SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,