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Republic of the Philippines Dare a 4
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES an
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Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2639

Introduced by Representative Juan Fidel Nograles

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The state is very cognizant of its policy to promote a tourism industry that is
sustainable, cultural, ecological, accountable, economically feasible, ethically
and socially equitable to all its inhabiting populace.

In accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), the
state is very aware of its policy to foster a tourism industry that ecological and
equitable to all its inhabiting populace and for the very protection and
development of the natural environment.

The Masungi Georeserve in Rizal allows guests to go through the conservation
area on a limited number and via trail visit request. Henceforth an experienced
park ranger will be guiding guests all throughout the trek providing an in-depth
information about the sustainable tourism in the Philippines.

Masungi Georeserve has a strong commitment to love for nature, scale the
impact on surrounding communities, and igniting guests to support the
sustainable conservation development and promote geotourism in the


Philippines. Over two decades, Masungi Georeserve has been committed to the
rehabilitation and development of the environment in Rizal.

Developing and enhancing the beauty of this natural resource will surely
generate investment and foreign exchange in the area, while providing
employment opportunities for the local government and residents within the
area.

This House Bill seeks to declare Masungi Georeserve in the municipality of Rizal
as a tourist destination.

Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2639

Introduced by Representative Juan Fidel Nograles

AN ACT

DECLARING MASUNGI GEORESERVE IN THE PROVINCE OF
RIZAL AS A TOURIST DESTINATION

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

SECTION 1. DECLARATION OF POLICY - The Masungi Georeserve is
hereby declared a tourist destination.

As such, it shall be therefor a priority development by the Department of
Tourism (DOT), and shall be the subject to the rules and regulations governing
the existing development programs of an earnest tourist destination. The DOT
shall prioritize the establishment of a tourist destination to be known as the
Masungi Georeserve.

SECTION 2. The DOT, in accordance with the Department of Public Works
and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department
of the Internal and Local Government, and other concerned government agencies
and institutions of the state, together with the Local Government Units (LGUs)
and civil society organizations, shall within one (1) year from the approval of this


and civil society organizations, shall within one (1) year from the approval of this
act, shall formulate a comprehensive development plan involving the
construction, installation and maintenance of such applicable facilities and
infrastructure that shall enhance, develop and promote the tourism sector in the
area, and improve accessibility and ensure the security of tourists. Provided,
that the development plan shall therefor ensure the preservation and
conservation of the natural beauty, historical significance and resources of the

area.

SECTION 3. The DOT, in coordination with all other agencies and
institutions concerned, shall therefor take immediate actions in implementing
the development plan that will fit the natural features of Masungi Georeserve,
and shall integrate the same in its overall development programs.

SECTION 4. It shall also be a declared responsibility of the DOT to foster
WAWA dam as a tourism destination in all its local, regional and national
promotion plans and programs.

SECTION 5. APPROPRIATION - The Secretary of Tourism shall include
in the Department’s program the implementation of this Act, and the amount
necessary to carry out the provisions of this act shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act (GAA) and from internally generated funds of the DOT of the
year following its enactment into a law and thereafter.

SECTION 6. TRANSITORY PROVISION - Existing agencies, industries,
businesses and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given
six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other
period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act.

SECTION 7. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. - The DOT
shall be charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act shall, within sixty
(60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the necessary rules and
regulations for its effective implementation.


SECTION 8. REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. - If, for any reason, any section or
provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or
provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 10. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. - This Act shall take effect after
fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier.

Approved,