Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
 
In line with the vision to invigorate the tourism landscape of Samar Province, the 
Provincial Government launched the Spark Samar movement in 2015, aiming to 
position Samar as a premier tourist destination in the Philippines. With the unified 
support of Samarenons, this initiative evolved into the comprehensive Spark Samar 
Development Agenda (SSDA), fostering sustainable tourism and economic growth 
across the province. 
 
Within the First District of Samar, several tourism circuits and individual sites have 
been identified as high-potential destinations capable of driving significant economic 
activity and providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities. One such gem is 
Macatingog Falls, located in Barangay Macatingog, Calbayog City. Renowned for its 
breathtaking cascade of crystal-clear waters plunging into a serene basin, 
surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, Macatingog falls offers an enchanting retreat 
for adventure seekers and nature-enthusiasts. The falls, accessible via a challenging 
yet rewarding trek through scenic trails and river crossings, provide opportunities for 
activities appealing to both locals and tourists.  
The proposed establishment of the Macatingog Falls as an ecotourism site will 
greatly aid in the development of its potential as a tourist destination in the Province 
of Samar. More so, the establishment of the Macatingog Falls as an ecotourism site 
will surely boost the realization of Provincial Government of Samar’s visions under 
the Spark Samar Development Agenda.  
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
July 8, 2025
6:05 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING MACATINGOG FALLS LOCATED IN BRGY. MACATINGOG 
CITY OF CALBAYOG, PROVINCE OF SAMAR AS AN ECO-TOURISM DESTINATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short title. - This act shall be known as the “Macatingog Falls Ecotourism 
Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, 
culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local communities. To this end, 
the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms and infrastructures for 
sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop certain areas and sites 
identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having potential for tourism to drive and 
propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. The Macatingog Falls Ecotourism Site. The Macatingog Falls located in 
Barangay Macatingog, in the City of Calbayog, Province of Samar is hereby established 
as an ecotourism site. Its development shall be incorporated in the Department of 
Tourism’s (DOT) National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) successor plan for 2023 – 
2028 and be jointly implemented with City of Calbayog and Provincial Tourism Office of 
the Province of Samar. The construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities in the 
area shall be a shared responsibility of the DOT and the local government unit with 
emphasis on sustainable development and resource management. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall include in its 
Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the funding of which 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism Council, after 
due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other stakeholders, shall 
promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act within sixty 
(60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take effect after sixty (60) days
with or without the IRR.
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SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and 
issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,