Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City..
Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No: 3917

Introduced by REP. MERCEDES C. CAGAS

re EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Pagsig Islet of Barangay Bato in the Municipality of Sta, Cruz,
Province of Davao del Sur as an aqua-ecotourism site.

_ The Passig Islet, an aqua-eco park resort is one of the most sought-after tourist
destinations in the province because of its serene environment,clear water and white sand. Being
an archipelago, it is not uncommon in the Philippines to find little islets situated near bigger
islands, but Davao del Sur’s petite paradise will give you a surprise with its beauty and unique
terrain.

Little is known about this treasure, the islet which stretches for anout a hectare was first
occupied by coastguards and served as a hangout place of the locals Realizing its potential, the
ind was then turned by the local government to a small pocket of paradise by putting up
cottages and surrounding it with tires packed with cement to keep the sand from eroding.

Curréntly, to reach the islet visitors had to walk through a wooden bridge connecting the
islet to the mainland! The.‘walk to the end of the bridge is an experience to behold as it goes
through thick lysh mangrove trees leading to the area where pump boats wait. The boat ride is to
be anticipated as well, as it gives a panoramic view of the sea, the islet and the mountains. Passig
Islet, which boasts of an astonishing ambience of tropical treasure, could easily become a good
choice for travelers and locals who want t engage in aqua-ecotourism activities such nature
viewing, bird watching, swimming, picnic, photofraphy and camping

‘The lack of allied infrastructure such as spa/massage therapy services and restaurants to
support the Passig Islet however hinders the full -conomic and environmental development
of the area.’ There is still’ a need to enhance the facilities of the aqua-eco park resort as the



cottages and bridge are already old. Developing this barangay into an aqua-ecotourism site will

provide employment opportunities to the local residents and create influx of tourists.
‘ t

In view of the policy of the State to promote a tourism industry -that is ecologically
sustainable, responsible, participative, a culturally sensitive, economically viable and ethically
and socially equitable for local communities, as declared in republic Act 9593, 6therwise known
as “The Tourism Act of 2009,” the approval of this bills is intently recommended.

a Drrrecas

MERC!



“Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRES

PATIVES
Quezon City
Eighteenth Congress

First Regular Session

House Bill No;_ 3917

2

Introduced by REP. MERCEDES C. CAGAS

AN,ACT DECLARING PASSIG ISLET OF BARANGAY BATO IN THE
munich try OF STA. CRUZ, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR AS aN AQUA-
~ ECQTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIA\ TING FUNDS THE! REFOR

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 “Passig Islet Aqua-ecotourism Act.”
:

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote & tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally
sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for local communities,

SECTION 3. . Passig Islet Aqua-ecotourism Site, ~ Passig Islet of Barangay Bato in the
Municipality of Star Cruz, Province of Davao del Sur is hereby declared an aqua-ecotourism site.
Its development shall be prioritized by the Départment of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to
the rules and regulations governing the development of the aqua-ecotourism site.

‘The DOT shall prepare a development plan that ensures the preservation and
conservation of the natural resources ofthe area. The plan should also include construction and
maintenance of necessary facilities tg enhance the aqua-ecotourism area and ensure optimum
utilization of assets and resources available,


SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ It shall be the responsibility of
DOF to promote Passig Islet as an dqua-ecotourism destination in. all its national, regional and
local promotioi programs. DOT, in consultation with the province of Davao Del Sur and the
Tourism Infrastructure 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 ahnual
General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of DOT, the year following its
enactment into law and thereafter

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. ~ 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 répealed or modified accordingly.

: *

SECTION 7. Effectivity, — This’ A&t shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,