TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session  
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
H. No. 1855
Introduced by Representative Binky April M. Tupas 
AN ACT  
DECLARING THE TAMBALIZA ISLAND IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
CONCEPCION, PROVINCE OF ILOILO AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Tourism is one of the major drivers of economic growth in the 
Philippines, supporting employment, attracting investments, and 
enhancing diversified growth opportunities. This bill proposes to 
strengthen 
the 
government 
goals 
toward 
sustainable 
tourism 
development and natural heritage protection by declaring Tambaliza 
Island, also called Pan de Azucar, in the Municipality of Concepcion, 
Province of Iloilo as an ecotourism zone.  
Tambaliza is the largest of Concepcion’s 16 outlying islands, 
comprising almost 19% of the municipality’s total land area. The island 
has three barangays, Macatunao, Talotu-an, and Tambaliza, and is 
famous for Mt. Pan de Azucar (also called Mt. Manaphag), a natural 
wonder that towers above the coastline. At 574 meters (1,883 ft), the 
steep-sided Mt. Pan de Azucar is the most prominent feature and 
distinguishable landmark of the island. The lofty cone is one of the inactive 
volcanoes in the country. 
Around the island are pristine beaches, like Lumpatan Beach in 
Sitio Bagotao, with sand ranging from golden yellow to white. These areas 
have huge potential for nature-based tourism and eco-friendly activities 
that can benefit the locals, as long as development is done responsibly. 
By declaring Tambaliza Island as an ecotourism zone, this measure 
will attract sustainable investments, improve tourism infrastructure, and 
create opportunities for community-based enterprises. It also supports the 
National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) which promotes regional 
tourism growth and competitiveness of emerging destinations. 
July 14, 2025
1:36 pm




TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session  
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
H. No. 1855
Introduced by Representative Binky April M. Tupas 
AN ACT  
DECLARING THE TAMBALIZA ISLAND IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
CONCEPCION, PROVINCE OF ILOILO AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION. 1. The Tambaliza Island, consisting of three (3) barangays, 
namely Macatunao, Talotu-an and Tambaliza, all located in the 
Municipality of Concepcion, Province of Iloilo, is hereby declared an 
ecotourism zone, to be known as the “Tambaliza Island Eco Tourism 
Zone.” 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 ecotourism zones. 
SEC. 2.  Within six (6) months after the approval of this Act, the municipal 
government of Concepcion shall, in coordination with the DOT, 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and 
concerned 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 
of the flora and fauna and perpetuate the historical significance of the 
identified tourism attractions: Provided, further, That the implementation 
of the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of the 
municipal government of Concepcion. 
SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the municipal government of Concepcion in 
the implementation of the tourism development plan by providing 
technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include the 
Tambaliza Island 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 Concepcion. The 
DOT may augment such allocation with internally-generated funds. 
 
SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectiveness of this Act, the 
municipal government of Concepcion shall, in consultation with the DOT, 
DENR, and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules and 
regulations to implement this Act. 
 
SEC. 6. If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force 
and effect. 
 
SEC. 7. All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other 
issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby 
deemed repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,