HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No, 918

Introduced by Rep. AURELIO "DONG" D. GONZALES, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Situated in the heart of vast tracts of agricultural land, Mt. Arayat stands gallantly at
1,030 MASL. The mountain is bordering two municipalities: the southern half lies within the
municipality of Arayat, Pampanga, while the north half lies within Magalang.

Considered as an inactive volcano, Mt. Arayat’s crater has several peaks, thus suitable for
mountain hiking and nature trekking. Mt. Arayat is now considered as one of the most popular
hiking destinations in the country because of its dominating presence in Central Luzon, making
the view from its peaks truly breathtaking.

Aside from its natural magnificence, Mt. Arayat is also a cradle of the rich Kapampangan
folklore. This mountain is revered by locals as sacred and mystical for it is the legendary home
of Apu Sinukuan, the rival of Namalyari of Mt. Pinatubo.

Indeed, the delicate interplay with respect to the conservation of its natural resources,
preservation of its cultural significance, and promotion of tourism and development calls for
national attention. While tourism in the area is already being encouraged by the local
government, it is undeniable that with the help from the national government, the tourism
potential of the area with further be hamnessed. This can be done without threatening the sanctity
the mountain’s natural state and without disregarding the Kapampangan cultural beliefs and
folklore.

This bill, therefore, aims to declare Mt. Arayat in the Municipalities of Arayat and
Magalang, Pampanga, as a tourist destination, mandating the Department of Tourism, in
coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways, and in in consultation with the



concerned local governments units, to come up with a comprehensive development plan for the
improvement of Mt. Arayat, all areas attached to it, and all roads leading to and from it.

In view of the policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically
sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and ethically and
socially equitable for local communities, as declared in Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known
as “The Tourism Act of 2009”, the approval of this bill is earnestly recommended.



REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 918

Introduced by Rep. AURELIO "DONG" D. GONZALES, JR.

AN ACT DECLARING MOUNT ARAYAT, BORDERING THE MUNICIPALITIES OF
ARAYAT AND MAGALANG, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA 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. Mount Arayat, situation along the borders of the Municipalities of Arayat and
Magalang, Province of Pampanga is hereby declared a tourist destination. As such, its
development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), and shall be subject to
the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist destinations.

SECTION 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with
the Department of Public Works and Highways and the concerned local government units, shall
prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of
such appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall promote the ecotourism in the area, and at
the same time ensuring the accessibility and security of tourists; Provided, That said
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and
resources of the area.

SECTION 3. The DOT and its concemed attached agencies shall take immediate steps to
implement the tourism development plan that will cater to the natural characteristics of Mt.
‘Arayat and shall incorporate the same in its overall development plans and programs for national
implementation.


SECTION 4. 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 from internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act the TIEZA Board of
Directors, the Provincial Governor of Pampanga and the Municipal Mayor of Arayat, shall
promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations IRR) for the proper and effective
enforcement, administration and implementation of this Act. For this purpose, they shall have the
power and authority to create a Secretariat and Technical Working Group (TWG) to assist them
in the drafting of the IRR.

SECTION 6. If for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is declared to be
unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions thereof which are not affected thereby,
shall continue in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. All laws, decrees and order or part thereof inconsistent herewith, are deemed
repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of national circulation.

Approved.