Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

House Bill No, 5263

Introduced by Representative Sol Aragones

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Municipality of Nagcarlan in the Province of Laguna is a 2nd class municipality in
the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of
63,057 people.

As a tourist destination, Nagcarlan is home to a historical underground cemetery,
beautiful antique churches, cold spring resorts and falls. The town’s historic importance
combined with its natural resources helped bolster its tourism throughout the years, providing
livelihood and leisure for its residents and tourists. In order to further improve the industry,
provide more livelihood to its citizens and push the town towards positive and sustainable
development, measures to protect the town’s natural resources must be implemented.

This proposal seeks to declare the Municipality of Nagearlan as an ecotourism zone and
appropriate funds for the purpose. With the proposal to develop Nagcarlan into an ecotourism
zone, we hope to generate economic growth by providing employment opportunities through
tourism activities among the residents of the municipality. Other tourism related industries will
also spur further economic development in the area by providing local employment
opportunities through hotels, resorts, restaurants, transportation services, souvenir shops,
among others.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

SOL nae aon

3®° District, Laguna

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5263
House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Sol Aragones

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF NAGCARLAN, PROVINCE OF
LAGUNA, AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaring Nagcarlan, Laguna as an Ecotourism Zone. - The
Municipality of Nagcarlan, Province of Laguna is hereby declared as an ecotourism zone. As
such, priority development of the Municipality of Nagcarlan shall be made by the Department
of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development

of tourist zone.

SECTION 2. Role of Agencies. - The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government,
shall, within six (6) months after the approval of this Act, prepare the development plan
involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
infrastructure which shall enhance tourism in the area: Provided, that said development plan

shall ensure the preservation of the natural beauty and historical significance thereof.

SECTION 3. Secretary of Tourism. - The Secretary of Tourism shall take immediate
steps to implement the said development plan and incorporate the same in the overall tourism

development program of the Department for the ensuing calendar year.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Tourism shall

issue the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

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SECTION 5. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the immediate implementation
of this Act is hereby appropriated from the funds of the National Treasury not otherwise
appropriated. Thereafter sum as maybe needed for the continued implementation, operation
and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriation Act.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved.

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