Maramo Nature Reserve Ecotourism Destination Act

Senate su llite of the Decerary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 AUG - 7 P6:15 RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 1157 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT AN ACT DECLARING THE MARAMO SECTION OF THE ANGAT RIVER SYSTEM IN BARANGAY SAN MATEO, MUNICIPALITY OF NORZAGARAY, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION, TO BE KNOWN AS THE MARAMO NATURE RESERVE EXPLANATORY NOTE Tourism is a major driver of economic growth and employment in the country. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the contribution of the sector to the country's GDP in 2024 was estimated at 8.9%. In addition, the sector generated a total of 6.75 million jobs in 2024, a 6.1% increase from 2023.1 Further, it plays a vital role in driving local economies, promoting cultural heritage, and enhancing environmental awareness. As of the third quarter of 2023, Central Luzon-including the province of Bulacan-recorded a total of 2.8 million tourist arrivals, with 2.6 million from domestic tourism and nearly 198,000 from foreign visitors, according to the Department of Tourism.? One of Bulacan's emerging ecotourism gems is the Maramo section of the Angat River System in Barangay San Mateo, Municipality of Norzagaray. Often referred to as the "Little Palawan of Bulacan," this area boasts towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear river waters, and untouched forest surroundings. The Maramo River attracts nature lovers, hikers, campers, and local tourists seeking eco-adventure experiences within proximity to Metro Manila. Philippine Statistics Authority. Tourism Contributes 8.9 Percent to the Philippine Economy in 2024. Published on 19 June 2025. Available at https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/tourism (Accessed on 10 July 2025). Philippine Statistics Authority. Tourism Posted Highest Growth in 2023, Contributing 8.6 % to the Economy. Published on 18 June 2024. Available at https://www.psa.gov.ph/statistics/tourism (Accessed on 10 July 2025).

Beyond its natural allure, Norzagaray has become a rising commercial and economic hub, and its tourism sector is poised for further growth. However, the area remains largely undeveloped in terms of infrastructure and formal management, making it vulnerable to unregulated tourism and environmental degradation. This bill seeks to declare the Maramo section of the Angat River System as a protected ecotourism destination, to be known as the Maramo Nature Reserve. It mandates the creation of a sustainable tourism development plan led by the Municipal Government of Norzagaray, in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other relevant agencies. The plan will ensure the preservation of the area's natural ecosystem while enhancing its tourism potential through appropriate infrastructure, promotion, and capacity building. Developing the Little Palawan of Bulacan into an ecotourism destination will not only boost the country's GDP but also generate more employment, especially for locals in the area. This measure affirms the State's commitment to sustainable tourism development, environmental protection, and inclusive growth in the countryside. Finally, designating the Maramo River as an official ecotourism destination will not only preserve its ecological integrity, but also generate livelihood opportunities, increase local revenue, and foster environmental stewardship among visitors and communities alike. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

: Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 AUG -7 P6:15 First Regular Session ) RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 1157 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT AN ACT DECLARING THE MARAMO SECTION OF THE ANGAT RIVER SYSTEM IN BARANGAY SAN MATEO, MUNICIPALITY OF NORZAGARAY, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION, TO BE KNOWN AS THE MARAMO NATURE RESERVE Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Maramo Nature

Reserve Ecotourism Destination Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration as Ecotourism Zone - The Maramo section of the

4 Angat River System in Barangay San Mateo, Municipality of Norzagaray, Province 5 of Bulacan, is hereby declared an ecotourism destination, and shall be known as 6 the "Maramo Nature Reserve." Pursuant thereto, the Department of Tourism 7 (DOT) shall support and prioritize the development of the area subject to the rules 8 and regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones.

SEC. 3. Tourism Development Plan. - Within one (1) year after the

approval of this Act, the Municipal Government of Norzagaray shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other concerned government agencies, prepare a tourism development plan which shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of appropriate facilities and infrastructure to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said

1 development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural 2 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 Norzagaray.

SEC. 4. Assistance to the Local Government Unit. - The DOT shall

provide technical assistance in tourism capacity building to the Municipal 7 Government of Norzagaray for the proper implementation of the tourism 8 development plan. The DOT shall also include the Municipality of Norzagaray in its national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 5. Funding. - The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be

11 included in the annual budget of the Municipal Government of Norzagaray. The 12 DOT may augment such allocation with internally generated funds.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days

from the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal Government of Norzagaray shall, in consultation with the DOT, DENR and other concerned agencies of the government, promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation 17 of this Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is

19 declared unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,

executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,