NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SEN 
S. No.
of tljc f.'i'tnr;’
*22 DEC-5 PI :30
RbXEIVtD BV.
Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS "TOL" N. TOLENTINO
AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY TALA IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ORANI, 
PROVINCE OF BATAAN AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to declare Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani, Province 
of Bataan as eco-tourism zone in accordance with the policy of the State to accord 
priority status to sustainable, vibrant and profitable tourism development as one of 
the engines of socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate 
investment, foreign exchange and employment. Environmentally sound and 
community participatory tourism programs have spurred socio and economic 
development in the tourism industry.
In today's growth trend, the problem of unemployment remains unresolved. 
Tourism-related sector is becoming an increasingly important source of economic 
prosperity by way of creating job opportunities. The total number of arrivals of 
tourists and sightseers to the Philippines have greatly contributed to the improved 
economy and to our country's status as a rising tourist destination.
Part of the Bataan National Park, one of the most sought-after tourist 
destinations in Bataan for its serene and natural beauty and unique terrain, is located 
in Barangay Tala. Barangay Tala is also famous because of the Sinagtala Farm Resort 
and Retreat Park. The declaration of Barangay Tala as local eco-tourism zone will 
definitely help enhance its continued tourism viability. Further, Barangay Tala could 
be easily developed into a first-class eco-tourism zone if it is equipped with amenities 
and facilities complementing its full potential as a tourism venue.
The lack of allied infrastructure and facilities such as hotels, lodges, camps, 
potable water supply and public transportation hinder the socio-economic and 
environmental development of the area. Developing this barangay into an eco- 
tourism zone will mold and enhance a sense of history and fkide for all residents of 
Tala and neighboring communities, thereby promoting the B^aan National Park as a 
tourist destination. Further, it will provide employment opportunities to local residents


and with the influx of tourists, the eco-tourism zone will be a significant source of 
business opportunities.
It was approved on third reading during the 18th Congress and was transmitted 
to the Senate for its approval but due to time constraint, because of the 2022 election, 
the same was not passed by the latter.
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
TOL" N. TOLENTINO


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 1587
gsClWlf
iBffitp of ti)c - . eMi?
*22 DEC-5 PI 30
RECElVtO BY,
Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS "TOL" N. TOLENTINO
AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY TALA IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ORANI, 
PROVINCE OF BATAAN AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as " Taia Ecotourism Zone Act"
2 
SECTION. 2. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote a tourism
3 
industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally-
4 
sensitive, economically viable and equitably beneficial to local communities.
5 
SECTION. 3. Barangay Tala in the Municipality of Orani, Province of Bataan
6 
is hereby declared an ecotourism zone. Its development shall be prioritized by the
7 
Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations
8 
governing the development of ecotourism zones.
9 
The DOT shall prepare the development plan for Barangay Tala and shall
10 
incorporate the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP),
11 
pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as "The Tourism Act of2009."
12 
The plan shall be implemented jointly with the Municipality of Orani, the local
13 
Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the Bataan National Park (BNP) and the
14 
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
15 
The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Orani, PAMB, BNP, TIEZA
16 
and other concerned agencies of the government, shall identify well-defined
17 
geographic areas within Barangay Tala ecotourism zone, which shall include the
18 
Bataan National Park and existing infrastructure and facilities therein, and ensure the
19 
integrated development of these areas for the optimum utilization of natural assets
20 
and attractions, as well as the preservation of their historic significance.
21 
SECTION. 4. The Secretary of the DOT, shall include in the Department's
22 
program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the
23 
annual General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.


1 
SECTION. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60)
2 
days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DOT, in consultation with
3 
the Municipality of Orani, PAMB, BNP, TIEZA, shall promulgate the necessary rules
4 
and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.
5 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, decrees, rules and
6 
regulations and other issuances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act
7 
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
8 
SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
9 
days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 
10 circulation.
Approved,