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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._2./,30

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Gorda Point Lighthouse located in Barangay Cawayan in the Municipality of San
Agustin, Province of Romblon, is one of several lighthouses constructed in the Philippines in
the 1930s during the American colonial period. This historic lighthouse, which was built
atop a promontory at the northeast tip of Tablas Island, serves as a guide for maritime
vessels traversing the Romblon pass between the islands of Tablas and Romblon.

The Gorda Point Lighthouse had suffered damage from inclement weather and
became inoperable for a time between 1994 and 2015. It was then officially restored to
full operation on April 2015 with its light now showing three (3) flashes every fifteen (15)
seconds. The lighthouse does not only offer a towering and scenic view of both the seascape
and the landscape of the province. Moreover, this structure bears witness to the vast and rich
cultural history of San Agustin, dating back to as early as the pre-American saga. Hence, many
tourists who visit Romblon include this as a part of their “must-see” destinations in the area.

In fact, due to the need to make the lighthouse more accessible to the increasing
pedestrian traffic of both local and foreign tourists, a stairway to this most visited tourism
site in Romblon was constructed by the local government.

Hence, declaring the Gorda Point Lighthouse as a tourism site aligns with the
Province’s strategic development program to elevate the Province of Romblon as one of the
major tourism destinations in the country. Its scenic setting, its rich cultural and historical
significance, as well as its proximity to the Blue Hole, all demonstrate that it has potential
to attract more tourists and shall increasingly continue to do so.

Therefore, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

———

ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 24430

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

AN ACT
DECLARING THE GORDA POINT LIGHTHOUSE, LOCATED IN BARANGAY
CAWAYAN, MUNICIPALITY OF SAN AGUSTIN, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON, A
TOURISM SITE

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

SECTION 1. The Gorda Point Lighthouse, located in Barangay Cawayan in the
Municipality of San Agustin, Province of Romblon, is hereby declared a tourism site. Pursuant
thereto, its development shall be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT),
subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism sites.

SEC. 2, Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the Municipal Government of
San Agustin shall, in coordination with the DOT and concemed 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 area:
Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural

beauty and historical significance of the area: Provided further, That the implementation of the


tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of the Municipal Government of San
Agustin.

SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the Municipal Government of San Agustin in the
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism
capacity building. It shall also include the Gorda Point Lighthouse in its national and regional
promotion programs.

SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
budget of the Municipal Government of San Agustin.

The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), if
necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA’s program.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal Government
of San Agustin shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government,
promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, and other issuances inconsistent
with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

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

Approved,