TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar’s hidden gem, the Pinusilan Blue Lagoon, may be unknown to many tourists and backpackers, but for locals in Eastern Visayas, it is one of the must-see spots on Samar Island.

For Northern Samar Second District Representative Edwin Ongchuan, Pinusilan Blue Lagoon should not remain hidden but should be promoted and included in the country’s tourism promotion.

Ongchuan filed House Bill No. 605 to declare the Pinusilan Blue Lagoon an official ecotourism site, aiming to develop it into a sustainable tourism destination that highlights the region’s natural beauty, empowers local communities, and conserves biodiversity.

Ongchuan said the bill is based on Republic Act 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of 2009, which promotes tourism that is inclusive, environmentally responsible, and culturally rooted.

Pinusilan, a beach hamlet in the town of Mapanas facing the Pacific Ocean, is known for its natural wonders, lagoons and stunning rock formations.

If enacted, the bill requires the Department of Tourism, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the local government of Mapanas and other agencies, to develop a comprehensive Tourism Development Plan for the area.

This plan will include the development of appropriate infrastructure and facilities to improve visitor access and experience while preserving the lagoon’s ecological integrity.

The site will also be included in national and regional tourism promotion efforts under the National Tourism Development Plan.

The bill allocates funding from the Department of Tourism’s regular budget and internal revenues, ensuring robust support for its implementation.

With tourism now recognized as a vital driver of economic recovery, the timing of this proposal is ideal.

Ongchuan said that declaring Pinusilan Blue Lagoon as an ecotourism site can unlock new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride in Northern Samar.