Doha Remedios Trinidad Ecotourism Zone Act

: Schate Offite of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 AUG -7 P6:16 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No._ 1158 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF DOÑA REMEDIOS TRINIDAD, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE EXPLANATORY NOTE Tourism, when developed responsibly, can serve as a powerful engine for inclusive growth, rural development, and environmental stewardship. Ecotourism in particular promotes sustainable travel to natural areas while conserving the environment and improving the well-being of local communities. It 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 Tourism 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.2 Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT), the largest municipality in the Province of Bulacan with a land area of over 93,000 hectares, is a vital ecological and cultural asset in Central Luzon. Created in 1977 through Presidential Decree No. 1196, DRT- fondly referred to as "DRT" by locals-is a scenic municipality rich in natural landscapes and heritage sites. It occupies nearly one-third of the province's total land 1 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). 2 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).

area and is home to mountain ranges, waterfalls, caves, and rivers that make it an ideal ecotourism destination. Among the many attractions found in DRT are the Puning Cave in Barangay Bayabas, Secret Falls in Barangay Camachile, the Candle Monument in Barangay Camachin, the picturesque Tila-Pilón Hills in Barangay Kalawakan, Verdivia Falls in Barangay Talbak, and the Caribbean Waves Resort in Barangay Pulong Sampaloc. In 2020, over 40 potential tourist sites were identified, reflecting the town's enormous potential for eco-adventure, cultural tourism, and community-based enterprise. 3 Despite this, much of DRT's natural wealth remains underdeveloped or inaccessible due to a lack of infrastructure, technical support, and formal designation. Without a policy framework for sustainable development, these valuable sites are at risk of unregulated use and environmental degradation. This bill seeks to formally declare Doña Remedios Trinidad as an ecotourism zone, enabling it to receive priority support from the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other relevant agencies. Through this measure, the local government, with the assistance of national institutions, will be empowered to craft and implement a tourism development plan that balances infrastructure with environmental protection, and economic opportunity with cultural preservation. Finally, designating DRT as an ecotourism zone will not only unlock the municipality's full tourism potential but also ensure the protection of its natural assets for generations to come. More importantly, it will uplift the lives of the people of DRT by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthening the local economy. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 3 GMA News. Meet the tourism hero of Dona Remedios Trinidad. Published on 26 December 2020. Available at https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/travel/71723/meet-the-tourism-hero-of- donaremedios-trinidad/story (Accessed on 10 July 2025).

Senate our of the Scenary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 AUG -7 P6:16 RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 1158 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF DOÑA REMEDIOS TRINIDAD, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE 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 "Doña Remedios

Trinidad Ecotourism Zone Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration as Ecotourism Zone - The Municipality of Doña

Remedios Trinidad, Province of Bulacan, is hereby declared an ecotourism zone. Pursuant thereto, the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall support and prioritize 6 the development of the area subject to the rules and regulations governing the 7 development of ecotourism zones.

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

approval of this Act, the Municipal Government of Doña Remedios Trinidad 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 development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further,

1 That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the 2 budget of the Municipal Doña Remedios Trinidad.

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

provide technical assistance in tourism capacity building to the Municipal 5 Government of Doña Remedios Trinidad, for the proper implementation of the 6 tourism development plan. The DOT shall also include the Municipality of Doña 7 Remedios Trinidad, in its national and regional promotion programs.

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

9 included in the annual budget of the Municipal Government of Doña Remedios 10 Trinidad. The 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 Doña Remedios Trinidad shall, in consultation with the DOT, DENR, and other concerned agencies of the government, promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

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

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,