Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1459 
Introduced by ​
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Verde Island Passage is a must-see-and-visit diving spot, not just in the country, but 
the entire planet. It is referred to as "The Center of the Center of Marine Shore Fish Biodiversity 
of the World". The passage is the strait that separates the Island of Mindoro from Luzon. This 
1.14-million-hectare strait is where over 500 species of reef building corals and a third of the 
world's coral-reef fish reside.  
The dive sites are just half-an-hour to an hour away from Anilao, Mabini, Batangas and 
from Mindoro. It has been a favorite destination of tourists, both foreign and local, who are 
marine enthusiasts and diving professionals.  
The strait is, however, not just a tourist destination. It is also utilized as the passageway 
for commercial travel from batangas to Mindoro. And, as it is rich in marine life, it is likewise 
the main source of livelihood of local and commercial fishermen. These economic activities, 
along with irresponsible tourism, may contribute to the degradation of the passage.  
This bill seeks to declare the Verde Island Passage as an ecotourism zone. Its 
development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT). The DOT shall prepare 
and incorporate the development plan for Verde Island Passage in the overall National Tourism 
Development Plan (NTDP).  
The plan shall be implemented jointly with the concerned provincial governments, the 
local Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise 
Zone Authority (TIEZA). These agencies shall identify well-defined geographic areas within the 
Verde Island Passage ecotourism zone and coordinate the integrated development of the areas for 
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the optimum utilization of natural assets and attractions, as well as existing infrastructures and 
facilities. The development shall ensure the preservation of the biodiversity, scenery, and 
historical significance of the identified tourist attractions.  
With this bill, we would promote a tourism industry that is ecologically stable, 
responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitably beneficial to 
local communities.  
It is in this regard that the immediate consideration and passage of this proposed measure 
is earnestly sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1459 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN   ACT   DECLARING   THE   VERDE   ISLAND   PASSAGE   IN   THE PROVINCES      OF      
BATANGAS,      MARINDUQUE,      OCCIDENTAL MINDORO,    ORIENTAL    MINDORO,    
AND    ROMBLON,    AS    AN ECOTOURISM ZONE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
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 "Verde Island Passage Ecotourism 
Act" 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
promote a tourism industry that is ecologically stable, responsible, participative, culturally 
sensitive, economically viable, and equitably beneficial to local communities.  
Section 3. Declaration as Ecotourism Zone. - The Verde Island Passage in the 
Provinces of Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon is 
hereby declared an ecotourism zone. 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 zones.  
The DOT shall prepare and incorporate the development plan for Verde Island Passage in 
the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, 
otherwise known as "The Tourism Act of 2009". The plan shall be implemented jointly with the 
Provincial Governments of Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, and 


Romblon, the local Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), and the Tourism Infrastructure 
and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).  
 
The DOT, in coordination with the Provincial Goverments of Batangas, Occidental 
Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon; the PAMB; the TIEZA; and other 
concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the government, shall identify well-defined 
geographic areas within Verde Island Passage ecotourism zone and coordinate the integrated 
development of the areas for the optimum utilization of natural assets and attractions, as well as 
existing infrastructures and facilities; Provided, that the development shall ensure the 
preservation of the biodiversity, scenery and historical significance of the identified tourist 
attractions.  
 
Section 4. Implementation. - Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the 
Secretary of Tourism, in consultation with the Provincial Governments of Batangas, Occidental 
Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon; the PAMB, the TIEZA and other 
tourism stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper 
implementation of this Act.  
 
Section 5. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Tourism shall include in the Department's 
program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the General 
Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.  
 
Section 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules and 
regulations and other issuances contrary or inconsistent with this Act shall be deemed repealed or 
modified 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,