Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _5862

INTRODUCED BY: HONORABLE JOCELYN F. FORTUNO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This bill seeks to declare the Buhi Lake and Bato Lake in the Municipalities of Buhi and
Bato respectively in the Province of Camarines Sur as ecotourism zones.

“The said municipalities are endowed with great natural resources, scenic beauty and other
wonders of nature. It is also in the Municipality of Bubi where the locally known sinarapan
(Mistichthys luzones), an endemic fish considered 10 be the smallest commercial fish in the world
can be found.

‘The growth of tourism in these municipalities have not reached its full potential due mainly
to lack of infrastructure facilities and road networks that ‘would make them really accessible, the
travel convenient and comfortable, and therefore very encouraging for tourist8 to visit.

‘The enactment of this bill into law will effectively fast-tracked the construction and
improvement of roads and bridges, and other infrastructure projects necessary to make the area
accessible and convenient to all, especially the tourists.

In view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of ths bill is earnestly sought.

JOCELWN F. FORTUNO
Representative
Fifth District, Camarines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 5852

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INTRODUCED BY: HONORABLE JOCELYN F. FORTUNO

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AN ACT
DECLARING BUHI LAKE AND BATO LAKE IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF BUHI
AND BATO RESPECTIVELY, IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR AS
ECOTOURISM ZONES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the Philippines in congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The Buhi Lake and Bato Lake in the Municipalities of Buhi and Bato
respectively, in the Province of Camarines Sur are hereby declared as excotourism zones.

SEC. 2. The Department ‘of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with concerned agencies of
the government and local government units, shall update and consolidate all existing tourism
development plans for the area or prepare an “seotourism development action plan consistent with
the national tourism master plan. The plan shall include the construction, development and
maintenance of facilities ‘and infrastructure to enhance the tourism sites: Provided, that the
interventions shall ensure biophysical conservation and cultural preservation in the area, while
providing sustainable economic opportunities for the local communities.

SEC. 3. The DOT shall incorporate the ecotourism development action plan to the overall
Philippine National Tourism Development Plan pursuait 0 Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise
Known as the “Tourism Act of 2009” and take immediate steps implement the ecotourism
development action plan and incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the
ensuing calendar years.

‘The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall also provide the necessary technical
and financial assistance for the development of tourism infrastructure and the conduct of skills
development in concerned local government units and their local communities while endeavoring,
‘when practicable, to promote the tourism zones both domestically and internationally.


SEC. 4. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with
PDA and the office of the district representative of the Fifth District of Camarines Sur, shall
implement the fast-tracked construction and improvement of roads, bridges and other
infrastructure necessary in the development of the area upon the promulgation of this Act and
prioritize the same in its infrastructure program.

‘The DOT, DPWH and Department of Transportation (DOTR) shall promote the
progressive development and aggressive spending in civil aviation, land and sea transportation

infrastructure in the area to improve accessibility and connectivity of ‘tourist destinations.

SEC. 5. The DOT and concerned agencies and local government units shall organize a
forum by which the private sector, nongovernment organizations and other interest groups can
interact with one another and create an. atmosphere that shall encourage investment and develop a
culture of tourism.

SEC. 6. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in consultation
with local concerned government units, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for
its proper implementation.

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,