Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Province of Samar is blessed with abundant natural beauty. This Bill 
proposes to declare Guinogoan Cave and River in Barangay Longsob, Calbayog City, 
Samar, as a nature-based tourism destination. 
Guinogoan Cave and River showcase stunning natural landscapes, unique 
geological features, and abundant biodiversity. Declaring Guinogoan Cave and River 
as a nature-based tourism destination aims to harness its potential for sustainable 
tourism development. Such a declaration will facilitate the allocation of necessary 
resources for its proper development, conservation, and management, ensuring that 
its natural integrity is preserved for future generations. 
Furthermore, by designating these sites as a nature-based tourism destination, 
the local government seeks to promote sustainable tourism that showcases their 
unique ecological importance and cultural heritage, while also providing economic 
opportunities for the local communities. Through the development of tourism 
infrastructure, the creation of employment opportunities, and the promotion of local 
culture and products, this Act will contribute to poverty alleviation and economic growth 
in the region. 
Promoting these sites as a nature-based tourism destination will bring greater 
visibility to Samar and allow the province to showcase its natural beauty. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
September 9, 2025
4:10 pm
4483


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING GUINOGOAN CAVE AND RIVER IN BARANGAY 
LONGSOB, CALBAYOG CITY, A NATURE-BASED TOURISM DESTINATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short title. - This Act shall be known as the “Guinogoan Cave and 
River Nature-based Tourism Destination Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, 
participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local 
communities. To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms 
and infrastructures for sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop 
certain areas and sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having 
potential for tourism to drive and propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. Guinogan Cave and River as Nature-based Tourism 
Destination. - Guinogoan Cave and River in Barangay Longsob, Calbayog City, are 
hereby declared as nature-based tourism destinations. These sites shall be developed 
and promoted for their ecological significance, cultural value, and recreational 
potential, with tourism activities designed to highlight their natural beauty while 
ensuring environmental protection and sustainability. Their development shall be 
incorporated in the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) National Tourism Development 
Plan (NTDP) successor plan for 2023–2028 and shall be jointly implemented with the 
City Government of Calbayog and the Provincial Tourism Office of Samar. The 
construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities in the area shall be a shared 
responsibility of the DOT and the concerned local government units, with emphasis on 
sustainable development and resource management. 
4483


SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall 
include in its Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the 
funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism 
Council, after due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other 
stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation 
of this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take 
effect after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR. 
 
 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, and issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances 
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended 
accordingly. 
 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,