Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11365)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11365 is the "Balanga Wetland and Nature Park Responsible Ecotourism Act."
The State mandates the promotion of a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for the local community, specifically declaring the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park a special ecotourism zone.
The key objectives include the development and promotion of responsible, community-based ecotourism, conservation and preservation of biodiversity, generating employment and livelihood for locals, equitable sharing of financial benefits in tourism, educational quality of tourism programs, and ensuring the local residents' basic needs are met before tourism development.
Community-based ecotourism is defined as a form of tourism where the local community and residents have substantial control and involvement in the development and management of the local tourism industry, and where a greater portion of economic gains remains within the community.
The BWNP covers an area of 153,578 square meters of mangrove forest and 187,500 square meters of foreshore land in Barangay Tortugas, City of Balanga, Province of Bataan, with specific metes and bounds described in the Act.
The buffer zone provides extra protection around BWNP, where restrictions apply to avoid or minimize harm, and where communities can assist in repelling threats to the park, managed according to the ecotourism development and management plan.
The Council comprises government officials from national and local agencies as ex officio members, plus elected representatives from academic institutions, private sector, and NGOs or POs. Ex officio members serve during their terms; elected members serve three years and may be reappointed. At least 40% of the Council members must be women.
The Council is responsible for formulating and implementing the ecotourism development and management plan, providing technical and financial assistance, monitoring waterbirds and habitats, formulating rules and regulations for maintenance and security, and other functions necessary for achieving the Act's objectives.
They assist in creating local ecotourism standards that ensure environmental protection, including raising stakeholders' capacities, efficient water and energy use, waste reduction and recycling, prevention of vandalism, and support for local produce, services, and employment.
Funds are included in the subsidy programs and capital outlay requirements in the current fiscal year budgets of DENR, DOT, DPWH, and TIEZA, with subsequent budget allocations included in the General Appropriations Act, subject to government audit.