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Republic ofthe Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

House Bill No, 8602

Introduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF PARACALE IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES
NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Camarines Norte has been identifed in the Department of Tourism’s National Tourism
Masterpian as a Tourism Development Area. This designation signals the importance to lay down
measures which will improve and enhance the tourism capabilties of the province to goals of the
Masterplan

Indeed Camarines Norte is stil a vastly untapped tourism destination and surely, among the
many towns in Camarines Norte, the town of Paracale fs definitely one of those that stands out with
respect to ecotourism potential.

Paracele is home to the Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria, the oldest church in the
Province and probably the region and boasts of many pristine beaches at par withthe best the Philippines

has

Pulang Daga Beach, Buhangin Beach, Gumaos Beach and Macolabo Island are some of the
best places in Camarines Norte fo visit

In light of the huge potential of the Mi
itis hereby sought that the Municipal
an Ecotourism Zone. The passage ofthis bill wil surely create new jobs, improve the local livelihood and
will be beneficial forthe domestic economy.

In view ofthe foregoing, the passage of this bil is eamesty sought.

HON. sera B.TALLADO
Representative

48\District, Camarines Norte


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS.
Second Reguiar Session

House Bill No, 8602

oduced by HON. JOSEFINA B. TALLADO

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF PARACALE IN THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES
NORTE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. Thi

Il be known as the “Paracale Ecotourism Act of 2021”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote a
sustainable and effective ecotourism industry to attract tourists, both local and foreign. Towards this end,
the country should rationalize all efforts to make the tourism industry a major source of livelihood and an
avenue for economic development. Moreover, measures should be taken to ensure that tourism
development would be done with a view on the preservation of the existing ecosystem and natural
‘environment.

SECTION 3. Paracale Ecotourism Zone. -The Municipality of Paracale in the Province of
Camarines Norte is hereby declared as an Ecotourism Zone. As such, its development shall be prioritized
by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned agencies, subject to the rules and regulations
governing the development of ecotourism zones.

In particular, the development of the following areas will be given focus by the DOT, the
concemed government agencies and also the Municipality of Paracale, Province of Camarines Norte, to
wil:

Puland Daga Beach;

Buhangin Beach;

Gumaos Beach;

|. Macolabo Island; and

. The immediate environs of the Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria.

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SECTION 4. Ecotourism Governing Board. - Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act,
there shall be created the Paracale Ecotourism Governing Board, to be composed of the following:

|. Mayor of the Municipality of Paracale, as ex-officio Chairperson
Secretary of the Department of Tourism or a duly-authorized representative, as member;
Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or a duly-authorized
Tepresentative, as member;
d. Representative of the 1* District of Camarines Norte or a duly-authorized representative, as
member,
e. Represen from an accredited non-governmental organization whose advocacy is
environmental preservation, as member;
f. Representative of the academe, as member; and
g. Representative from the business sector, as member.

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The Board shall prepare the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of
this Act and shall, when necessary, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet existing
needs.

The Municipal Government of Paracale shall provide a secretariat for the Board including the
funding necessary to cover expenses for the performance of its official functions and activities.

SECTION 5. Ecotourism Development Plan. - Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act,
the DOT, in coordination with the local government unit of Paracale, the Representative of the 1 District
of Camarines Norte and other concerned government agencies, shall prepare an ecotourism
development plan containing, among others, the construction, installation and maintenance of such
‘appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall enhance tourism in the Municipality of Paracale,
particularly in the areas mentioned in Section 3 hereof: Provided, that the said development plan shall
ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and indigenous nature of the locality.

SECTION 6. implementation of the Plan. The DOT shall take immediate steps in implementing
the ecotourism development plan and incorporate the same in its overall development plans and
programs for national implementation.

SECTION 7. 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 intemally generated funds of the DOT.

‘SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional
or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees, and other
issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.