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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 6938

Introduced by ALFEL M. BASCUG, Representative,
41ST Legislative District of Agusan del Sur.

“AN ACT DECLARING BEGA FALLS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
PROSPERIDAD, PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR AS AN
ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR"

Explanatory Note

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

Bega Falls is a four-tiered waterfalls located in barangay Mabuhay,
Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Surrounded by the abundant greenery of
Agusan del Sur's forest and mountain, this majestic waterfalls is
considered as a hidden treasure of the province. 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 becomes a
tourist attraction, it has never been publicly exposed to other tourists in
the Philippines and the world. With the lack of needed development and

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promotion, the tourism potential of the place has been curtailed.

Thus, in order for this gem to be developed and become a fully
grown tourism destination, it should be declared as an ecotourism site.
The development of Bega Falls into an ecotourism site will not just
enhance its aesthetic value but will also boost local government income
and create employment opportunities for the people of Agusan del Sur.

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



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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BillNo.__ 6938

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

“AN ACT DECLARING BEGA FALLS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
PROSPERIDAD, 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 Bega Falls Eco-
tourism 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 Bega Falls Ecotourism Site. The Bega Falls
located in the Municipality of Prosperidad, Province of Agusan del Sur is
hereby declared as an ecotourism site. Its development shall be prioritized

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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 Bega 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, 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. - |f 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 Clause. -All 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,