SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
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S.B. No. 525 
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Introduced by Senator LOREN LEGARDA 
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.EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill declares the province of Palawan as the ecological tourism capital 
of the Philippines with the corresponding government support and grant of 
autonomy. 
The concept of ecological tourism is consistent with the State's policy on 
the right· of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology. 
Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that the 
State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and 
healthful ecology in a.ccord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. In the 1993 
landmark case of Oposa vs. Factoran, the Supreme Court ruled that the right to a 
balanced and healthful ecology carries with it the correlative duty to refrain from 
impairing the environment. 
Ecotourism focuses on local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering, 
personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet; typically 
involving travel t~ destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the 
primary attractions. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize 
the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment, an~ enhance . 
the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating 
environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism lis in the 
promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and' creation of 
economic opportunities for the local communities 
Palawan is the biggest province in the Philippines and is composed of 
1,768 islands and islets. The island-province first attracted foreign attention in the 
1970's when it became a United Nations Vietnamese Refugee Center. Puerto-
Princesa Subterranean River T:-Jational Park is Palawan's most popular attraction 
and covers 5,349 hectares of lush forest, dark mountains, caves and white 
beaches. The Park is inscribed in the prestigious list of United Nations 
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage. 
Ecology awareness is at a high level throughout the province. Puerto 
Princesa prides itself as the cleanest city in the Philippines. To protect its lJ1ega-
diversity, only eco-friendly programs are adhered to by tourist establishments. 
And there are strict ordinances against dynamite fishing, with only net and line 
fishing allowed. Palawan may have opened itself to tourism but ithas also taken 
serious efforts to preserve this last frontier. 


This proposed measure seeks to provide the necessary support to such 
efforts of the province of Palawan by declaring it the ecological tourism capital of 
the Philippines. 
By this, there shall be created an Ecological Tourism Office 
whose governing board shall be co-chaired by Representatives of the legislative 
districts of the province and the Governor of Palawan. The membership of the 
board shall be composed of representatives from the Palawan Council for 
Sustainable Development (PCSD), the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DENR), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the private sector, the 
non-governmental organization, and the local government units. This Office 
s,hall rationalize all efforts pertaining to environmental protection and making 
the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for the 
generation of employment. 
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In view· of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is ~arnestly 
requested. 
=-:::::tO~itDA 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
'slHWJf 
iffr.; • .,{ lit. j"'~fI"'lI 
"13 
JUL -8 A8 :23 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 525 
B«",V"" :Y' :,(-
Introduced by Senator LOREN LEGARDA 
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AN ACT 
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AS THE ECOLOGICAL 
TOURISM CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES AND OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as "An Act Declaring· the 
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Province of Palawan as the Ecological Tourism Capital of the Philippines." 
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
promote a sustainable tourism industry. Towards this end, the country shall 
rationaliz~ all efforts pertaining . to envirorimental protection and baking the 
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industry a major source of livelihood and an avenue for the generation of 
. 8. employment. Henceforth, aggressive measures seeking to restore the country's share 
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in the Asian tourist market shall be consistent with the preservation of the existing 
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ecosystem and natural environment. 
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, Sec. 3. Ecological Tourism Capital of the Philippines. Pursuant to public 
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policy, the Province of Palawan including the city of Puerto Princesa is hereby 
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declared an eeo-tourism zone and shall be called the Eeo-Tourism Capital of the 
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Philippines. 
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Sec. 4. Creation of an Eco-Tourism Office. Within a year from the approval of 
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this Ad, there shall be created an Eco-Tourism Office whose governing board shall 
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be co-chaired by Representatives of the legislative districts of the province and the 
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Governor of Palawan. The membership of the board shall be composed of 
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representatives from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), the 
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of 
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Tourism (DOT), the private sector, the non-governmental organization, and the local 
government units. 
Sec 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The PCSD, DENR and DOT shall 
prepare an eco-tourism master plan and promulgate the necessary rules and 
regulations to be approved by the President, of the 
Philipp~es upon 
recommendation of the board. 
Sec. 6. Appropria#on. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of 
this Act shall be taken from the current appropriation of PCSD and shall be 
included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into 
law and thereafter. 
Sec. 7. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act shall be held 
unconstitutional, any other provision not otherwise affected shall remain in full 
force and effect. 
Sec. 8, Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations, or 
parts thereof inconsistent with the, provisions of this Act are hereby amended, 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
Sec. 9. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect after its complete publication in at 
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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