NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. NO.X592.
o( til’.' £?i rret<u-p
72 DEC-5 P3 22
RECEl'v !;0 BY;
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY MALICO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA FE 
PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "The State shall 
protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in 
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."
Barangay Malico is one of the sixteen (16) barangays in the Municipality of Santa 
Fe, which stretches to the municipalities of Santa Rosa in Nueva Ecija, and San Nicolas 
in Pangasinan. It is a small barangay with a population of two hundred twenty-six (226) 
people as determined by the 2015 census, that mostly belong to the Ikalahan- 
Kalanguya tribe. It has an elevation of 1,675 meters above sea level, which is higher 
than Baguio City. Its cold weather temperature of seven to nine degrees Celsius is 
suitable for growing crops like strawberries, cabbage, carrots, and other upland 
vegetables.
Barangay Malico has a picturesque view that offers tourists magnificent 
landscapes filled with a pine forest that stretches along the Pangasinan-Nueva Vizcaya 
road. Every portion of the road is Instagram-worthy that gives motorists and tourists a 
breathtaking view of the undiscovered mountain paradise. The place also offers an 
amazing view of the sunset over the plains of Nueva Vizcaya and Pangasinan. Tourists 
may also have a glimpse of World War II because the remains of the Sherman tank 
which the United States 32nd Infantry Division used during the American-Japanese 
war, still sit in the middle of the forest. A World War II Peace Memorial Park was also 
in Barangay Malico, in honor of thousands of gallant soldiers who died in the war.


Hence, this bill seeks to declare Barangay Malico as an ecotourism zone to 
promote its preservation and to create economic opportunities for local communities. 
Its cultural heritage, rich natural wonders, untouched nature, and unique terrain 
requires preservation, sustainability as well as development to enhance and preserve 
its beauty and progress. It may be recognized as a first-class ecotourism destination if 
it is equipped with amenities and facilities complementing its full potential as an 
ecotourism zone.
For the foregoing reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
IMEE R. I^COS


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
of th:
•22 DEC-5 P3 22
rtUCEIV.D BY:
SENATE
S.B. No. 1592
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING BARANGAY MALICO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA FE 
PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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SECTION 1. Barangay Malico, in the Municipality of Santa Fe, Province of Nueva
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Vizcaya is hereby declared an ecotourism zone. Its development shall be prioritized by
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the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the
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development of ecotourism zones.
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SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT shall, in
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coordination with the local government units of the Municipality of Santa Fe and
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agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan involving the
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construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and facilities
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that shall encourage tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall
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ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the
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area: Provided, further. That any activities and development to be carried out in the
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area should conform with the concept of ecotourism as provided in the national
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ecotourism strategy jointly issued by the Department of Environment and Natural
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Resources (DENR) and the DOT.
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SEC. 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to
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implement the tourism development plan that suits the natural characteristics of
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Barangay Malico, and shall incorporate the same in its tourism development program
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for the ensuing calendar year. It shall also include Barangay Malico in all its national,
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regional, and local promotion programs.


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SEC. 4. The Secretary of Tourism shall include in the DOT'S program the 
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act and from internally generated funds of the DOT.
SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of 
Tourism shall, in consultation with the local government of the Municipality of Santa Fe, 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this 
Act.
SEC. 6. All other laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules and 
regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified 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,