1 https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/101647-most-mangrove-trees-planted-within-one-hour-
team#:~:text=The%20most%20mangrove%20trees%20planted,Philippines%2C%20on%208%20March%202012 
2 https://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/03/10/785156/camarines-sur-bags-guinness-mangrove-planting 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10597 
Introduced by HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This measure proposes to declare the Mangrove Forest in Barangay San Rafael in the 
Municipality of Ragay, Camarines Sur, as an Ecotourism Site. 
The Mangrove Forest in San Rafael was officially listed in the Guinness Book of World 
Records by adjudicator Seyda Subasi Gemici on March 8, 2012, for the “Most Mangrove Trees 
Planted by a Team in One Hour” during the “El Verde Movement” led by the then Camarines Sur 
Governor and incumbent Second District Representative Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte, 
together with 7,000 volunteers.[1] 
The 7,000-volunteer-led El Verde Movement team, composed of citizens from San Rafael, 
Camarines Sur, planted a total of 1,009,029 bakawan (mangrove) saplings within one hour in a 
30-hectare land.[2] The trees planted aim to help prevent flooding, improve air quality, and
enhance the greenery within the area.
Through the passage of this measure and the designation of the Mangrove Forest in San 
Rafael as an Ecotourism Site, the site’s conservation, maintenance, protection, and promotion will 
be ensured. This designation will also provide financial benefits to the local community, 
contributing to its economic development. The approval of this bill will significantly enhance the 
holistic progress of Barangay San Rafael, fostering community growth and advancing the 
environmental stewardship not only of the local community but also of the whole First District of 
Camarines Sur. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA 
First District, Camarines Sur 
July 15, 2024
11:51 am


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10597 
Introduced by HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA 
AN ACT DECLARING THE MANGROVE FOREST IN BARANGAY SAN RAFAEL, MUNICIPALITY 
OF RAGAY, CAMARINES SUR, AS AN ECOTOURISM SITE 
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 "San Rafael Mangrove Forest 
Ecotourism Act of 2024." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates 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. 
Accordingly, it is hereby declared the policy if the State to promote an ecologically sustainable 
and effective tourist industry that will enhance environmental preservation and support socio-
economic development. 
SECTION 3. The San Rafael Mangrove Forest Ecotourism Site. – The San Rafael Mangrove 
Forest in the Barangay San Rafael, in the Municipality of Ragay, Province of Camarines Sur is 
hereby declared as an ecotourism site. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department 
of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development 
of ecotourism sites. 
The DOT, in coordination with the concerned local government units as well as with the other 
concerned government agencies, shall prepare a tourism development plan for the San Rafael 
Mangrove Forest which shall be incorporated in the overall National Tourism Development 
Plan (NTDP), pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 
2009”, and which shall also include the construction and maintenance of infrastructure and 
facilities in the area; Provided, That the development plan shall ensure the preservation and 
conservation of the scenery and resources of the area. 
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity 
of this Act, the Secretary of DOT, in consultation with the concerned local government units, 


  
the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and other agencies, shall 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 5. Appropriations. – The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department’s 
program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the Annual 
General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT. 
 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. – All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders 
or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended 
accordingly. 
 
SECTION 7. Effectivity – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
 
Approved,