Republic of the Philippines

‘ 2 fr RY
LV neryZ
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City

House of Representatives

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. __ 6936

Introduced by ALFEL M. BASCUG, Representative,
1ST Legislative District of Agusan del Sur.

“AN ACT DECLARING PINANDAGATAN FALLS IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF SIBAGAT, PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR AS
AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

Explanatory Note

This bill seeks to declare Pinandagatan Falls as an ecotourism site
in the Municipality of Sibagat, Province of Agusan del Sur.

Pinandagatan Falls is a newly discovered multi-tiered waterfalls
situated in the far-flung barangay of New Tubigon in Sibagat, Agusan del
Sur. Being immersed deep into the forest of Agusan del Sur, this is
considered as an amazing and untouched hidden paradise. With its
expanse of different majestic tiers, this could be the longest running
waterfalls and the best waterfalls in the Caraga Region according to
Caraga Backpackers Group. Being situated in the midst of lush forest, the
place has become a home to various attractions such as beautiful
mountains and a wide variety of flora and fauna in which tourists can enjoy
numerous common ecotourism related activities such as trekking,
swimming, bird watching, picnic, camping, nature viewing and nature
photography. Truly, this pristine and beautiful place possesses an exotic
enchantment of a jungle paradise which undeniably proves that it’s more


fun in the Philippines. However, while this hidden gem is enveloped in the
center of the forest, the thick shrubs and slippery roads and rocks makes
it difficult to be accessed and explored by many tourists thus the tourism
potential of the place has been curtailed.

With the declaration of Pinandagatan Falls as an ecotourism site,
the needed development and promotion of the place would make it a fully
grown tourist destination. Further, its development would boost local
tourists industry, generate funds for the local government, and provide job
opportunities for the people of Agusan del Sur.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly

sought.
BASC!


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,__°936

Introduced by ALFEL M. BASCUG, Representative,
157 Legislative District of Agusan del Sur.

“AN ACT DECLARING PINANDAGATAN FALLS IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF SIBAGAT, PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR AS
AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

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

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the Pinandagatan
Falls Ecotourism Act of 2020.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. As mandated in the 1987
Philippine Constitution, the State shall protect and advance the right of the
people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature. Further, 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 equitably
beneficial to local communities.

SECTION 3. The Pinandagatan Falls Ecotourism Site. The
Pinandagatan Falls located in the Municipality of Sibagat, Province of
Agusan del Sur is hereby declared as an ecotourism site. Its development

3


shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be
subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of
ecotourism sites.

The DOT, in coordination with the concerned local government units
as well as with the other concerned government agencies, shall prepare
a tourism development plan for Pinandagatan Falls which shall be
incorporated in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP),
pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act
of 2009” and which shall also include the construction, installation and
maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and facilities in the area;
Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and
conservation of the scenery and resources of the area.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty
(60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DOT, in
consultation with the concerned local government units, the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other agencies,
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Appropriations. The Secretary of the DOT shall
include in the Department's program the implementation of this Act, the
funding of which shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations
Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or
the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is
declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the application of
such provision to other person or circumstance shall not be affected by
such declaration.

SECTION 7. Repealing Ciause. -Ali laws, decrees, letters of
instructions, executive orders and rules and regulations and other
issuances or parts thereof in consistent or in conflict with any provision of
this Act.

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen

(15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of
general circulation.

Approved,