TWENTIETH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

HOUSE BILL No. _2936

Introduced by Honorable Celso G. Regencia

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Sitio Timoga, located in Barangay Buru-un, Iligan City, is widely known
for its natural cold springs and scenic landscape. The area is home to several
natural spring resorts that draw visitors from within and outside the city,
offering a refreshing natural experience.

Despite its significant tourism potential, Sitio Timoga lacks a unified
tourism zone plan. The absence of clear development guidelines has raised
concerns about unregulated expansion, overcrowding, and poor environmental
practices. These issues could lead to the degradation of the spring system and
the surrounding natural environment, making it urgent to address these
concerns.

Declaring Sitio Timoga as an ecotourism site will effectively address
these concerns. This declaration will not only promote sustainable tourism but
also attract infrastructure investments, as well as generate economic
opportunities for residents of Barangay Buru-un and neighboring communities.
Furthermore, it will ensure that all future development efforts prioritize the
protection of the area's ecological integrity and cultural value.

This bill, therefore, seeks to formally declare Sitio Timoga as an
ecotourism site, to be knownas the Timoga Ecotourism Site. It aims to provide
a comprehensive framework for the area’s sustainable development,
management, and promotion, promising a future where the area's natural
beauty is preserved and its potential is fully realized.


Given the pressing need to address the current situation in Sitio Timoga,
the approval of this bill is earnestly and respectfully recommp ‘ ded.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2936

Introduced by Honorable Celso G. Regencia

AN ACT
DECLARING SITIO TIMOGA, LOCATED IN BARANGAY BURU-UN, ILIGAN
CITY, AS AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT,
MANAGEMENT, AND PROMOTION

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Timoga Eco-Tourism
Site Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration as an Ecotourism Site. - Sitio Timoga, located in
Barangay Buru-un, Iligan City, is hereby declared an ecotourism site.

Its development shall be guided by principles of sustainable tourism,
environmental preservation, and community participation, and shall be
supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTD, and other concerned agencies, in accordance with
existing laws and regulations.

SECTION 3. Development Plan. - Within six (6) months from the
effectivity of this Act, the City Government of Iligan shall take the lead in
preparing a tourism development plan for Sitio Timoga, in coordination with
the DOT, the DENR, the DTI, and other concerned agencies.

The development plan shall include the construction, installation, and
maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and facilities to enhance tourism in


the area, while ensuring the protection of its natural resources and the
promotion of local enterprise and community-based tourism.

SECTION 4. Technical Assistance and Promotion. - The DOT shall assist
the City Government of Iligan in the implementation of the tourism
development plan by providing technical support, capacity-building programs,
and tourism standards guidance. The DOT shall also include Sitio Timoga in its
regional and national tourism promotion campaigns.

The DTI shall support the development of local enterprises related to
tourism in the area, including skills training, product development, and
marketing assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The DENR shall ensure that all development activities are compliant with
environmental laws, conduct the necessary assessments and monitoring, and
provide guidance on the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources
within the ecotourism site.

SECTION 5. Funding. - The amount necessary for the implementation of
this Act shall be primarily sourced from the annual budget of the City
Government of Iligan.

The DOT, the DENR, and the DTI shall likewise provide financial and
technical support, subject to availability of funds and applicable laws.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the City Government of Iligan, in consultation
with the DOT, the DENR, the DTI, and other concerned agencies, shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force
and effect.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,