Republic ofthe Philippines g ore
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NINETEENTH CONGRESS i?
First Regular Session

* HOUSE BILL xo.7521

Introduced by REP. EMILIO BERNARDINO L. YULO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill secks to declare the Binadlan Falls situated in Barangay Biao, Municipality of

Binalbagan, Province of Negros Occidental as an ecotourism site.

Binadlan Falls, also known as Bambi Falls, is located about 13 kilometers from Brgy.
Bi-ao proper in the Municipality of Binalbagan. The 150 feet waterfall offers pristine water that

attracts not only locals but also tourists and trekkers, local and international.

‘The Local Government of Binalbagan is currently implementing development projects to
strengthen the tourism industry which is a major economic growth driver of the southern Negros
Occidental town. Efforts are being undertaken to maximize the ecotourism potential of the

locality, to publicize it, and eventually be seen on the country's tourism map.
Therefore, it is appropriate that Binadlan Falls be declared an ecotourism site. This is not
only to enhance its aesthetic value but also to boost local government income and provide

employment opportunities for the local populace.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

REP. end mills, L.YULO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

ae 7521

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. EMILIO BERNARDINO L. YULO

AN ACT DECLARING BINADLAN FALLS SITUATED IN BARANGAY BIAO,
MUNICIPALITY OF BINALBAGAN, PROVINCE OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL AS AN
ECO TOURISM SITE AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Binadlan Falls
Ecotourism Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote an ecologically-sustainable and effective tourist industry that will enhance

environmental preservation and support socio-economic development.

SEC. 3. Binadlan Falls Eco Tourism Site. The Binadlan Falls situated in
Barangay Biao, Municipality of Binalbagan, Province of Negros Occidental, is hereby

declared as an ecotourism site. As such, its development shall be prioritized by the
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the

development of ecotourism sites.

SEC. 4. Eco Tourism Development Plan. Within one (1) year after the approval
of this Act, the Municipality of Binalbagan shall, in coordination with the DOT,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and concerned agencies of

the government, prepare a tourism development plan that shall include the construction,

installation and maintenance of such appropriate infrastructure and facilities to enhance

tourism in the area.


The development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the
natural beauty and resources of the area. Further, the implementation of the tourism

development plan shall be included in the budget of the local government of Binalbagan.

The DOT shall assist the local government of Binalbagan in the implementation
of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity
building. As part of its national and regional marketing programs, it must also promote
the Binadlan Falls.

SEC. 5. Binadlan Falls Eco Tourism Council. There shall be created an
ecotourism council, to be known as Binadlan Falls Eco Tourism Council, hereinafter
referred to as the “Council” and shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Municipal Mayor of the Municipality of Binalbagan as the Chairperson;

(b) The Municipal Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Binalbagan as Vice
Chairperson;

(c) The Sangguniang Bayan Secretary as Council Secretary;

(d) The Head of the Binalbagan Municipal Tourism Office;

(e) The Head of the Binalbagan Municipal Environment and Natural Resources
Office;

(f) The Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on Environment;

(g) The Punong Barangay of Barangay Biao; and

(h) Three (3) stakeholders from the local community to be appointed by the
Municipal Mayor, upon the recommendation of the Sangguniang Baranggay
of Biao.

The term of office of the Council members shall be coterminous with that of the

incumbent Municipal Mayor of Binalbagan.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
this Act shall be included in the budget of the concerned government agencies in the
General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

SEC. 7. Implementation. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act,
the local government of Binalbagan shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned


agencies of the government, promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions, which are not affected thereby, shall

continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. Any law, decree, ordinance or administrative circular
not consistent with any provision of this Act is hereby amended, repealed, or modified

accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,