1&2

Currently, the municipal government of Los Banos doesn’t have a structured set
of laws regarding ecotourism. Nonetheless, the LGU implements ordinances in
pursuant of national laws pertaining to environment protection. One example is
the Municipal Ordinance 2008-752 otherwise known as “an ordinance
prohibiting the use of plastic bags on dry goods and regulating the use on wet
goods”. The ordinance also disallows the use of Styrofoam as packaging material.
It was then expanded in 2014 thru the MO 2014-1316 which bans the one-time
use of plastic bags, plates, spoons, forks, straws and Styrofoam. The expanded
law also prohibits the use of plastic banderitas and controlled use of tarpaulins.

3&4

It was a long process, with a series of meetings and discussions with the affected
sectors, particularly the producers of plastics and Styrofoam. It required a strong
political to impose the law and bring positive change in the community’s attitude
towards practicing proper waste disposal and usage of plastics and Styrofoam.
Several campaigns and advocacies were conceived to support the aforementioned
ordinances. One example is the BYOB or Bring Your Own Bag. The municipal
government of Los Banos also encouraged the use of bayong, katsa and paper
bags as substitute packaging materials.

The late former councilor Ma. Luisa Wassmer authored an ordinance which
imposed fines to those who will be found violating the law. This includes business
establishments. MENRO has their volunteers called TFK or Task Force
Kalinis/Kalikasan. These volunteers are armed citizens and authorized to
apprehend violators. I suggest you interview Dr. Antonio Alcantara for more
information. You can also request a copy of the ordinance from the Sangguniang
Bayan and I will be more than willing to endorse you to them.

6&7

The LGU and MENRO conduct trainings and seminars for the TFK. The
Department of Tourism Region IV-A also offers trainings and seminars in
ecoguiding. You can check the website of DOT IV-A for the list of their accredited
ecoguides not just in Los Banos but in the whole CALABARZON.
8, 9, 10 (sagot na rin to sa 11 at 12)

One of the events to promote not just ecotourism but environment protection is
the Pista ng Kapaligiran every first Saturday of September. Every year, a forum
is conducted as part of the celebration. Usual invitees are students, teachers,
experts in the field of environmental science and government employees and
officials. I can endorse you the MENRO for more information regarding this event.

11

Yes. We conduct researches particularly on current trends in tourism and

existing laws regarding ecotourism. We do believe that tourism projects should
have strong foundation/basis, to ensure that they will result to positive impacts.

In addition, our Office helps DOT in promoting accreditation. We are still in the
stage of imparting knowledge to tourism related establishments. The sad truth
is that most, if not all, of our TRE’s are still skeptical that accreditation is
beneficial. You can read about the Rules and Regulations regarding accreditation
of ecoguides and ecotourism facilities. DOT accreditation is one of the steps to
guarantee a stable local tourism because it also puts emphasis to environmental
sustainability, conservation of natural and cultural areas, and responsible
marketing.