Lr i 2

itECEIVED

" sts aan var 1

Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila \

Eighteenth Congress
‘Seventh Regular Session

3362
HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by HON. SOLOMON R. CHUNGALAO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare “Bintacan Cave and Mt. Kitumman” in Barangay Tungngod,
Municipality of Lagawe, Province of Ifugao as an eco-tourism destination.

The historical “Bintacan Cave" is a cave located on the top part of Mt. Kitumman along
the boundary of the Municipalities of Lagawe and Kiangan along side the legendary Ibulao
River. It is believed by locals that during the 2" World War, Mt. Kitumman served as the watch
tower of the Japanese Imperial Army where they could have a bird’s eye view of distant places
in order to monitor enemy activities. While based on Mt. Kitumman, they took refuge at the
Bintacan Cave where they dwelled and stored military ammunitions. Today, historical debris
from broken Japanese pots are still present on the vicinity of the cave together with the figure
of a cobra snake carved out on the top ceiling of the cave entrance. On accessibility, said
potential tourist spot is located along the national highway entering the Municipality of
Lagawe which is along the road path going to the tourist destination towns of Banaue, Ifugao
and Sagada, Mt. Province.

‘With this bill, “Bintacan Cave and Mt. Kitumman’” will be recognized as a tourist spot
that will attract tourists from Japan and the USA for its historical significance and a perfect
add-on to the bucket list of tourists going to Banaue and Sagada. With its development, it will
enhance eco-tourism in the Municipality of Lagawe and the Province of Ifugao as a whole that
could play a vital role in boosting the capital town’s and the province’ local economy.

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



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

Eighteenth Congress
Seventh Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.
Introduced by HON. SOLOMON R. CHUNGALAO

AN ACT DECLARING “BINTACAN CAVE AND MT. KITUMMAN” LOCATED IN BARANGAY
TUNGNGOD IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LAGAWE, PROVINCE OF IFUGAO AS AN ECO-TOURISM
DESTINATION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR;

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

SECTION 1. “Bintacan Cave and Mt. Kitumman” located in Brgy. Tungngod in the
Municipality of Lagawe, Province of Ifugao is hereby declared as an eco-tourism destination.
As such, priority development of the “Bintacan Cave and Mt. Kitumman” shall be made by the
Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of tourist spots.

SECTION 2. The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority and other concerned agaencies of the government, shall, within six (6) months
after the approval of this Act, prepare the development plan involving the construction,
installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities wich 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 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 shall 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 Bintacan Cave and Mt. Kitumman shall be included in the General Appropriations act.

SECTION 6. This act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,