TACLOBAN CITY – A measure seeking to declare the Pinusilan Blue Lagoon in Mapanas, Northern Samar, as an ecotourism site has been filed in the House of Representatives, aiming to promote sustainable tourism and spur economic activity in the province.

Filed by Northern Samar 2nd District Representative Edwin Ongchuan, the proposed measure, titled the “Pinusilan Blue Lagoon Ecotourism Act,” outlines plans to protect and develop the natural attraction known for its turquoise waters and unique tunnel formations that connect to the Pacific Ocean.

“The Pinusilan Blue Lagoon is a picturesque natural attraction,” Ongchuan noted in the bill’s explanatory note. “Its declaration as an ecotourism site will foster greater public appreciation of natural heritage and promote the conservation of biodiversity.”

Under the bill, the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the local government of Mapanas, and other concerned agencies, is mandated to prepare a comprehensive tourism development plan within one year of the law’s effectivity.

The plan will include the construction and maintenance of tourism infrastructure, while ensuring the preservation of the area’s natural resources.

The proposed measure also mandates the DOT to integrate the development of the Pinusilan Blue Lagoon into the National Tourism Development Plan, as stipulated under Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009.

Once enacted, the DOT is also tasked to include the necessary funding in its annual budget, to be supported through the General Appropriations Act and the agency’s internally generated funds.

Rep. Ongchuan expressed hope that the bill’s passage will attract investments, create employment opportunities, and empower local communities through inclusive and sustainable tourism.

The bill is currently awaiting number assignment and committee deliberation in the House.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Arlington, Virginia- On June 26, the United States government, through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Philippines’ Department of Transportation (DOTr), announced funding for technical assistance for the construction of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway, which is designed to link three major ports in Luzon and decongest traffic at the Port of Manila.

Secretary Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, said the railway project boosts the initiative of linking major economic hubs under the Luzon Economic Corridor.

“We are grateful for the support in advancing this crucial infrastructure project, which will drive economic growth by improving connectivity between major ports and industrial hubs along the Luzon Economic Corridor. Once operational, the SCMB Railway will attract investments, create new opportunities for businesses, and most importantly, generate quality jobs that will benefit millions of Filipinos,” Secretary Go said.

USTDA said its technical assistance for the SCMB Railway involves transport model development, port-rail integration study, and legal and institutional framework analysis, among other areas.

“This project underscores the U.S.-Philippine alliance’s vital role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. By supporting the development of the SCMB Railway, we are ensuring that key infrastructure will flourish, increasing economic cooperation to develop an essential trading route that will mutually benefit American and Philippine citizens,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Acting Director. “Our partnership with the Philippines exemplifies the strength of American leadership in the Indo-Pacific and underscores our commitment to advancing our shared interests.”

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the freight cargo railway aims to decentralize Manila Port and provide the additional transport capacity needed at the Batangas Port and Subic Bay, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive of ensuring uninterrupted movements of goods.

“The Philippine government extends its gratitude to USTDA for their technical assistance in developing the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway. This railway will not only decongest the Manila Port but will also connect the seaport to Subic Bay and Batangas Port,” Secretary Dizon said during the Beneficiary Agreement signing ceremony in Arlington, Virginia.

“As a freight cargo railway, the SCMB Railway, is seen to solve port traffic and congestion in Manila Port, while ensuring the timely movement of products to and from adjacent major transport hubs,” Secretary Dizon added. (PR)