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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

141

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B, ROMAN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Pilis Falls as an eco-tourism site in the
Municipality of Samal, Province of Bataan.

Pilis Falls is located in Barangay Palili, Samal, Bataan. Its water pours down
a high slanting cliff north-east of Mt. Nagpali. ‘The falls has an approximate height
of 120 feet. The unique natural formation of landslides and the thorough water
drops make Pilis Falls an exceptional waterfall, The vegetation of the immediate
surroundings is relatively intact forest characterized by multi-strata dipterocarp

species.

Pilis Falls could easily become an international tourist haven. It offers
various attractions such as beautiful mountains, a wide variety of flora and fauna
wherein mountaineers and tourists can enjoy several common eco-tourism related
activities such as trekking, nature viewing, bird watching, swimming, picnic, nature
photography and camping.

Thus, the developments of the Pilis Falls into an eco-tourism site will not
only enhance its aesthetic value but will also bring economic benefits for the people
of Bataan and the whole country as well.


In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is eamestly recommended.

Of oa
'ERALDINE B. ROMAN


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 141

Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN

AN ACT
DECLARING PILIS FALLS IN BARANGAY  PALILI,
MUNICIPALITY OF SAMAL, PROVINCE OF BATAAN AN
ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 “Pilis Falls Ecotourism Act.”

SEC 2. 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

SEC 3. The Pilis Falls in Barangay Palili, Municipality of Samal, Province of Bataan is
hereby declared an ecotourism site. Its development 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 shall prepare and incorporate the development plan for Pilis Falls in the
overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593,
otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009”. The plan shall be implemented jointly with
the Municipality of Samal, the local Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the Bataan
National Park (BNP) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Samal, the PAMB, the BNP, the
TIEZA and other concerned agencies of the government, shall identify well defined
geographic areas within Pilis Falls ecotourism site and coordinate the integrated development
of these areas for the optimum utilization of natural assets and attractions, as well as existing
infrastructure and facilities; Provided, That the development shall ensure the preservation of
the scenery and the historic significance of the identified tourist attractions.


SEC 4. Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DOT, in
consultation with the Municipality of Samal, the PAMB, the BNP, the TIEZA and other
tourism stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

SEC 5. 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.

SEC 6. All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules and regulations and other
issuances contrary to or inconsistent with this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified
accordingly.

SEC 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette
or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,