RECEIVED

YUL 15 2019 CA)

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congres
Third Regular Session

2098

HOUSE BILL NO.__

Introduced by HON. JUMEL ANTHONY I. ESPINO
—

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare "Kweba ng Hapon" in Brgy. Manlocboc, Municipality of
Aguilar, Province of Pangasinan as an eco-tourism destination

The historical "Kweba ng Hapon” is a tunneVcave where Japanese soldiers hid
during WWII. It could be reached using a foot trail, It has its main opening in Brgy
Manlocboe and is about seven (7) kilometers away from the Poblacion of Aguilar via
Brey. Laoag. Inside the tunnel are seven (7) swimming pools believed to have been
developed by the Japanese army. There are lots of historical values inside the tunneVeave
According to some folklore, it is where the Japanese kept their treasures

With this bill, "Kweba ng Hapon” will be recognized as a tourist spot that will
attract tourist from Japan and America because of its historical significance as well as
focal and other fore! 5. d 2¢0-tour
the Municipality of Aguilar and of the province. It will be developed and endowed with al
the amenities and facilities complimenting its full potential as a first class eco-tourism
destination

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

— Si MEL ANTHONY



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
‘Third Regular Session

2098

HOUSE BILL NO._

ass
NY i. ESPINO.

introduced by HON

DECLARING = "KWEBA LOCATED IN BARANGAY
MANLOCBOC IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF AGUILAR, PROVINCE OF
PANGASINAN — AS AN ECO-TOURISM DESTINATION AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.

Re ir enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SEC

of Aguilar, Province of Pan;

TION I. “Kweba Ng Hapon” located in Brgy. Manlocboe in the Municipality

wasinan is hereby declared as an eco-tourism destination. As

such, priority development of the "Kweba ng Hapon" shall be made by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of tourist spot

SECTION 2. - The DOT, in coordination with the Towism tufiastuctue and
Enterprise Zone Authority and other concemed agencies of the government, shall, within
six (6) months afer the approval of this Act, prepare the dévelopment plan involving the

construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities which shall


enhance tourism in the area: Provided, that said development plan shall ensure the

preservation of the natural beauty and historical significance thereof

SECTION 3. - The DOT, in coordination with the other convergence agencies of
the government such as the DPWH, DENR and the concerned LGUs, shall take immediate
steps to implement the said development plan and incorporate the same in the overall

tourism development program of the Department for the ensuing calendar year

SECTION 4. - The Secretary of Tourism shaii issue the necessary rules and

regulations for the proper implementation of this Act

SECTION 5. - The amount needed for the initial implementation of this act shall
be appropriated from the funds of the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated
Thereafter such sum as maybe needed for the continued implementation, operation and
maintenance of Mount San Isidro shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act

“TION 6. - ‘This act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,