Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In line with the vision to enliven the tourism scene in the province, the Provincial 
Government of Samar initiated a program in 2015 called the Spark Samar, which 
ultimately aims to promote and introduce the image of Samar Province as a potential 
tourist destination in the country. With the continued and unified support of Samarnons, 
this initiative transformed into a much bigger cause called the Spark Samar Development 
Agenda (SSDA). 
Relevantly, several tourism circuits in the First District of Samar, along with the 
individual tourism sites located therein, were identified as potential tourist destinations 
that can generate great economic activity and provide livelihood to surrounding 
communities. One of these destinations is the Pinipisakan Falls located in the Municipality 
of San Jorge, Province of Samar. The Pinipisakan Falls offers an ethereal view of 
waterfalls cascading into a basin of clear blue water. This destination offers an opportunity 
for various leisure activities for both locals and tourists.  
The proposed establishment of the Pinipisakan Falls as an ecotourism site will 
greatly aid in the development of its potential as a tourist destination in the Province of 
Samar and will definitely put a spotlight on the humble town of San Jorge. More so, 
establishment of the Pinipisakan Falls as an ecotourism site will surely boost the 
realization of Provincial Government of Samar’s visions under the Spark Samar 
Development Agenda.  
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
March 7, 2023
8:00am
7484


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING PINIPISAKAN FALLS LOCATED IN BRGY BLANCA 
AURORA, BRGY TOMOGBONG, BRGY CALUNDAN IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
SAN JORGE, PROVINCE OF SAMAR AS AN ECO-TOURISM 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 the “Pinipisakan Falls 
Ecotourism Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - 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 equitable for local communities. To this end, 
the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms and infrastructures for 
sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop certain areas and sites 
identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having potential for tourism to drive and 
propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. The Pinipisakan Falls Ecotourism Site. The Pinipisakan Falls 
located in Barangay Blanca Aurora, Barangay Tomogbong, and Brgy Calundan in the 
Municipality of San Jorge, Province of Samar is hereby established as an ecotourism site. 
Its development shall be incorporated in the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) National 
Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) successor plan for 2023 – 2028 and be jointly 
implemented with the Municipality of San Jorge and Provincial Tourism Office of the 
Province of Samar. The construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities in the  
7484


 
 
area shall be a shared responsibility of the DOT and the local government unit with 
emphasis on sustainable development and resource management. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall include 
in its Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the funding of 
which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism 
Council, after due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other 
stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of 
this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take effect 
after sixty (60) days with or without the IRR. 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
and issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
circulation. 
Approved,