Passig Islet Aqua-ecotourism Site

Senate Office of the dictare TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP 11 P1:42 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. 1386 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING PASSIG ISLET OF BARANGAY BATO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF STA. CRUZ, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR AS AN AQUA-ECOTOURISM SITE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 16 of Article II 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." Ecotourism Philippines defines ecotourism as a form of sustainable tourism within a natural and cultural heritage area where community participation, protection and management of natural resources, culture and indigenous knowledge and practices, environmental education and ethics, as well as economic benefits, are fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of visitors. Passig Islet Aqua Eco Park is located in Barangay Bato, Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Province of Davao del Sur. What was once a simple sandbar was transformed by local residents into a beloved destination, showcasing the serene beauty of the region's marine environment. Visitors currently enjoy a scenic walk through lush mangroves and a boat ride with panoramic views of the sea and mountains. The islet's success and growing popularity, however, have put a strain on its facilities. The connecting bridge and cottages are now aged and in need of significant improvement to ensure visitor safety and comfort, and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem from the impacts of tourism. This measure seeks to declare Passig Islet of Barangay Bato in the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Province of Davao del Sur as an aqua-ecotourism site. By formally declaring Passig Islet an aqua-ecotourism site, we can ensure the preservation of this

unique destination. This will also provide the necessary framework and funding to upgrade its facilities, manage its long-term environmental sustainability, and maximize economic benefits for the local residents through job creation and livelihood opportunities. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 0) IMEE R. MARCOS

Office uf the secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 25 SEP 11 P1:42 SENATE S.B. No. 1386 RECEIVED BY: lor Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING PASSIG ISLET OF BARANGAY BATO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF STA. CRUZ, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR AS AN AQUA-ECOTOURISM SITE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 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 " Passig Islet Aqua-

ecotourism Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for local communities.

Sec. 3. Passig Islet Aqua-ecotourism Site. - Passig Islet of Barangay Bato in the

Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Province of Davao del Sur is hereby declared an aqua- 10 ecotourism site. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned government agencies, subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of the aqua-tourism site.

Sec. 4. Tourism Development Plan. - Within one (1) year from the approval of

this Act, the local government of Sta. Cruz, in coordination with DOT, the Department 16 of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and other concerned government agencies, shall prepare a comprehensive development plan for the Passig Islet Aqua- Ecotourism Zone. The plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural resources of the area, while providing for the construction and maintenance

of necessary facilities to enhance the aqua-ecotourism area and ensure optimum utilization of assets and resources available.

Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the

5 effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in consultation with the local government of Sta. Maria, the DENR, and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Tourism shall include the

11| implementation of this Act in the Department's program, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this shall be held unconstitutional

or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid and in full force and effect.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive

orders, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed or amended accordingly.

Sec. 9. 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,