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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quesan City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO, 430

Introduced by HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Banga Caves, located in Barangay Banga Caves, Municipality of Ragay, Camarines Sur,
comprise at least 17 interconnected caverns steeped in historical and natural significance. Local
accounts recount that these caves served as hideouts for Japanese forces during World War Il, which
is supported by artifacts and implements discovered on site. The term “Banga” is derived from the
native palm trees once abundant in the area

The dectaration of the Banga Caves as an ecotourism site would enable the Department of
Tourism and concerned agencies to partner with local stakeholders in preserving the caves and
developing sustainable infrastructure, ensuring that the economic, cultural, and employment benefits
of tourism directly uplift residents of Ragay and nearby communities.

A similar proposal, House Bill No. 7304, was filed in the 19th Congress seeking to declare the
Banga Caves an ecotourism destination, reflecting early recognition of the site's potential for
sustainable tourism and focal development.

Ecotourism bridges conservation, community participation, and sustainable travel. This bill
aligns with the Department of Tourism’s National Ecotourism Strategy and adheres to the State’s
constitutional duties under Article I, Sections 15 and 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which
promote public health, environmental balance, and sustainable development.

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

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il ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA,
First District, Camarines Sur

*Congress of the Philippines, (2023, March 8). House Bill No. 7304 ~ Declaring Banga Caves in the Municipality of
Ragay, Province of Camarines Sur an Ecotourism Destination. 19th Congress, First Regular Session. Retrieved from:
etpsviadocs.congresssnrep.ontine/lenisdocs/third 19/1 1B UTR pat


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No._490

Introduced by HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA

AN ACT
DECLARING BANGA CAVES, LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RAGAY, PROVINCE OF CAMARINES
‘SUR, AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION

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

SECTION 1. The Banga Caves located in the Municipality of Ragay, Province of Camarines Sur, are
hereby declared an ecotourism destination. Pursuant thereto, its development shall be prioritized and
supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of ecotourism destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the municipal government of Ragay shall, in
Coordination with the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and concerned
agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan that shall include the construction,
installation and maintenance of such appropriate infrastructure and facilities to enhance tourism in
the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the
natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further, That the implementation of the tourism
development plan shall be included in the budget of the municipal government of Ragay.

SEC. 3. The DOT shail assist the municipal government of Ragay in the implementation of the tourism
development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include
the Banga Caves in its national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual budget of the
municipal government of Ragay. The DOT may augment such allocation with internally-generated
funds.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the municipal government of Ragay shall,
in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules and
regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, proclamations, presidential decrees, and other
issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended
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,