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

Seventeenth Congress
Third Regular Session

‘7850

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil

EXPLANATORY NOTE

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

“Kweba ng Hapon” is a tunnel/ cave where Japanese soldiers hide during WWIL
It could be reached using a foot trail. It has its main opening in Brgy. Manlocboc and is
about seven (7) kilometers away from the poblacion of Aguilar via Brgy. 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 tunnel/cave. According to
some folklore, it is where the Japanese kept their treasuries.

With this bill, “Kweba ng Hapon” will be recognized as a tourist spot that will
enhance eco-tourism of the province. It will be developed and endowed with all the
amenities and facilities compiementing its fuli potential as a first class eco-tourism
destination.

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



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

Seventeenth Congress
Third Regular Session

50

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil

AN ACT
DECLARING “KWEBA NG HAPON” LOCATED IN BRGY, MANLOCBOC IN
THE MUNICIPALITY OF AGUILAR, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN 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 i. “Kweba ng Hapon” iocated in Brgy. Maniocboc in the Municipaiity
of Aguilar, Province of Pangasinan 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.

SEC. 2. The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority and other concerned agencies 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 which shall
enhance tourism in the area: Provided, that said development plan shall ensure the

pieservaiion of ihe natural beauiy and historical significance thereof.

SEC. 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.

SEC. 4. The Secretary of Tourism shall issue the necessary rules and regulations
fur the proper implemeniation of this Avi.


SEC. 5.The amount needed for the initial implementation of this act shall be
appropriated fiom the funds of the National Treasury noi otherwise appropriaied.
Thereafter such sum as maybe needed for the continued implementation, operation and
maintenance of Mount San Isidro shall be included in the annual General Appropriation
Act.

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

Approved,