Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS:
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._1667

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Looc Bay area is located in the Municipality of Looc, Tablas Island, Province of
Romblon. Itis an ideal tourism destination due to diverse reasons. The Looc Bay is a perfect
harbor and cove. It is home to a world renowned protected marine sanctuary which boasts
of more than one hundred species of fish and other sea creatures, as well as a heritage
lighthouse within the bay. The Looc Bay area has always been considered by the people of
Romblon as a natural blessing where they take pride in, because of its unique rock
formations and heritage trees.

Visitors in the area can swim in crystal clear waters of the Looc Bay, engage in
snorkeling and fish feeding activities, or simply stroll along its serene and powdery white
sand beaches.

‘The Looc Bay area exhibits an undeniable and enormous tourism potential which, if
fully tapped and developed, could generate revenues for local businesses, create jobs and
exponentially expand employment opportunities, improve basic services in the community
and contribute to the upliftment of the quality of life of the people in the community.

Hence, the protection, preservation and development of the area as tourism
destination is not only appropriate but long overdue.

Therefore, in the light of the foregoing considerations, the passage of this bill is
earnestly and respectfully sought.

ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1667

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

AN ACT
DECLARING THE LOOC BAY AREA, LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
LOOC, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON, AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION

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

SECTION 1. The Looc Bay area in the Municipality of Looc, Province of Romblon, is
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
Looe 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


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implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of the Municipal
Government of Looc.

SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the Municipal Government of Looc in the implementation
of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It
shall also include the Looc Bay area 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 Looe.

‘The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), if
necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA’s program.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal Government
of Looc 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, 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,