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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

6503

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Hon. Cyrille F. Abueg-Zaldivar

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Magtayob Falls located in Barangay Bunog, Municipality of
Rizal, Province of Palawan as a Tourist Destination.

By travelling on land, this hidden paradise can be accessed through a six-kilometer
road from the national highway. From this point, the real adventure begins as tourists need to
travel a distance of at least 100 meters by foot from the nearest accessible riverbank.

Magtayob Falls covers an area of approximately 12 hectares, consisting of a series of
falls with estimated heights of 4 to 5 meters at the ground level, 6 to 7 meters at the second
level, and more unexplored series of falls in the upper portion of the mountainside, dropping
to a fairly young river system with an approximate width of 3 meters.

Recently, Magtayob Falls has gained recognition from local and international tourists
due to its refreshing water and serene environment. Nature lovers and tourists enjoy nature-
based activities, such as: birdwatching, camping and trekking, tube rafting and jungle
adventures. Due to its steep riverbank, rock climbing and rappelling can also be developed.

With the increasing number of guests, Magtayob Falls needs the proper protection and
funding for its sustainable and ecologically sound management which shall benefit locals,
invite more tourists and maximize its awesome tourism potential. The Municipality of Rizal
with the support of the National Government, through the Department of Tourism, shall make
Magtayob Falls a welcome income generating resource for the locals.

In view of the policy of the State that tourism is “an indispensable element of the
national economy and an industry of national interest and importance, which must be harnessed
as an engine of socioeconomic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign
exchange and employment, and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all
Filipinos,” as declared in Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of
2009,” the approval of this bill is earnestly recommended.

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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 6503

Introduced by Hon. Cyrille F. Abueg-Zaldivar

AN ACT
DECLARING MAGTAYOB FALLS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RIZAL,
PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AS A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS
DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Magtayob Falls located in Barangay Bunog, Rizal, Palawan is
hereby declared a tourist destination. As such, it shall be accorded with priority
development by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and
regulations governing the development of a tourist destination.

SEC. 2. The Department of Tourism, in accordance with the local government
units and other concerned agencies of the government shall, within one (1) year after the
approval of this Act, prepare a development plan involving the construction, installation,
and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure as shall enhance tourism
in the area; Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and
conservation of the natural resources of the area.

SEC. 3. The Department of Tourism shall take immediate steps in implementing
the tourism development plan that will suit the natural characteristic of Magtayob Falls
and shall incorporate the same in its overall development plans and programs for national

implementation.

SEC. 4. It shall also be the responsibility of the DOT to promote Magtayob Falls
as a tourism area in all its national, regional, and local promotion programs.

SEC. 5. The DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for proper

implementation of this Act.


Bown

SEC. 6. The Secretary of the Department of Tourism shall include in the
Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be
included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law
and thereafter.

SEC. 7. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders or parts
thereof inconsistent with this Act, are hereby amended accordingly.

SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the
Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,