Palani Beach (Masbate) as an Ecotourism Destination

CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES TWENTIETH CONGRESS First Regular Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H. No. 8571 BY REPRESENTATIVES KHO (E.), KHO (A.), MADRONA, CHAN (J.), SALVAME, ANGARA, ALVAREZ (J.), TUAN, MIRAPLORES, HORIBATA, YAP (J.G.), AGYAO, ALANO, DALOG, MOMO, SINGSON (R.V.), CALDERON, YNARES, CORVERA, REGENCIA, CASTRO, GONZALES (A.M.), TUPAS, PLEYTO, BANCORO, RODRIGUEZ (E.), BELTRAN, DAZA, DEL MAR, GUINTU, BARBA, CAGAS, CAYTON, COLLANTES, ROMAN, ROQUE, UMALI AND SUAN AN ACT DECLARING THE PALANI BEACH, LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BALUD, PROVINCE OF MASBATE, AS AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The Palani Beach, located in the Municipality of Balud, Province of

2 Masbate, is hereby declared an ecotourism destination. Pursuant thereto, its development shall 3 be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and 4 regulations governing the development of ecotourism destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the Municipal Goverment

6 of Balud shall, in coordination with the Provincial Government of Masbate, DOT, Department 7 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 9 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 Balud.

SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the Municipal Government of Balud in the

implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include Palani Beach in its national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual

18 budget of the Municipal Govemment of Balud. The DOT may augment such allocation with 19 internally generated funds.

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

21 Govemment of Balud shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, 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,