Kapatagan Ecotourism Site Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) Offee of the enactay REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 25 SEP 10 P2:01 SENATE S.B. No. 1369 RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING BARANGAY KAPATAGAN IN THE CITY OF DIGOS, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR, AN ECOTOURISM SITE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 16 of Article Il of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, " The

State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature." Nesteled on the eastern slopes of Mount Apo, Barangay Kapatagan, formerly known as Rizal, in Digos City, Province of Davao del Sur, is a destination renowned for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. On 19 June 1971, President Ferdinand Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 6210 which converted the sitio of Kapatagan into a distinct and independent barrio of the then Municipality of Digos. Crucially, a significant portion of Kapatagan lies within the eastern part of Mt. Apo Natural Park, a protected area established under Republic Act No. 9237 and an ASEAN Heritage Site. This existing legal framework underscores the ecological significance of the area and the necessity of managing its development sustainably. Kapatagan is home to a wealth of natural and man-made attractions that are unique to its location, including Matanao caves, Digos farms and flower gardens, and various eco-adventure sites in Sta Cruz. It also has a rich biodiversity and is part of the habitat of the critically endangered Philippine eagle and the Asian Palm Civet, famous for producing one of the world's most expensive and rare coffee. The declaration of Kapatagan as an ecotourism site aligns with the National Tourism Development Plan, which provides a framework for the development and implementation of programs and activities towards a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism industry in the country. With a lot of promising attractions in Kapatagan, it is but fitting to not just boast its beauty but to enhance its

aesthetic value and harness economic benefits ensuring sustainability of ecotourism for the benefit of future generations. This bill seeks to declare Barangay Kapatagan in Digos, Davao del Sur as an ecotourism site and provide the necessary legal framework to enhance infrastructure, empower the local community, and implement robust environmental conservation programs in the area. In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. тее h. Тра IMEE R. MARCOS

Senate Office of tr Decretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP 10 P2:01 SENATE S.B. No. 1369 RECEIVED BY Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING BARANGAY KAPATAGAN IN THE CITY OF DIGOS, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR, AN ECOTOURISM SITE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Kapatagan Ecotourism Site

Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration as Ecotourism Site. - Barangay Kapatagan in the City of

Digos, Province of Davao del Sur, is hereby declared an ecotourism site. As such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites.

SEC. 3. Tourism Development Plan. - Within one (1) year from the approval of

this Act, the City Government of Digos, in coordination with the DOT, the Department 11 of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other concerned agencies of the 12 government, shall prepare a comprehensive tourism development plan for the Kapatagan Ecotourism Site. The plan shall include the construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and facilities that enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and 16 conservation of the natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage of the area, in accordance with and complementary to the National Tourism Development Plan and 18 consistent with the management plan of the Mt. Apo Natural Park.

SEC. 4. Role of government agencies. - The DOT, in coordination with the local

government of Digos and other concerned government agencies, shall provide technical assistance, training, and other support to develop tourism-related livelihoods for local residents. It shall also include and feature the Kapatagan Ecotourism Site in 5 its national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this

8 Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) under the DOT.

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

effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in consultation with the local government of Digos, the DENR, and concerned agencies of the government, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders,

proclamations, presidential decrees and other issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

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