tke D
RECEIVED
are, JUL 0 2 2019

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 962

Introduced by the Honorable Ann K. Hofer

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is embodied in Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution that 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.

‘The majestic and breathtaking Malubal Falls in the Municipality of Roseller T. Lim in
the Second District of Zamboanga Sibugay is a hidden gem that that is already gaining attention
from both local and international tourists. The waterfall drops 80 meters into a lush 20-meter
wide pool of water, traversing an impressive rock formation.

With the Malubal Falls being declared as an ecotourism site, the needed development
and promotion for this gem will be recognized. Furthermore, the creation of an ecotourism
council will ensure the management and sustainability of the conservation of the Falls and
equitable sharing of benefits among the people. It is also expected that such development will
boost local government income, generate earnings from foreign exchange, and create
employment opportunities for the people residing with the area.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

NN K. HOFER
Second District, Zamboanga Sibugay


eVaursune

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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. oe

Introduced by the Honorable ANN K. HOFER

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MALUBAL FALLS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ROSELLER T.
LIM, PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY AS 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 “Malubal Falls Ecotourism Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared policy of the State to protect and
advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm
and harmony of nature.

SEC. 3. The Malubal Falls Ecotourism Site. The Malubal Falls in the Municipality of
Roseller T. Lim (RT Lim) in the Second District of Zamboanga Sibugay is hereby declared as
an ecotourism site, whose geographical limits shall be subject to study by the local government
unit. 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.

SEC. 4. The Malubal Falls Ecotourism Council. There shall be created an ecotourism
council, to be known as the Malubal Falls Ecotourism Council, hereinafter referred to as the
“Council” and shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Local Chief Executive of the Municipality of RT Lim, as Chairperson;

(b) A representative from an accredited non-governmental organization whose
advocacy is environmental preservation;

(c) A representative from a recognized indigenous people’s organization; and

(d) Two (2) representatives from the private sector;


RT Lim’s local legislative body shall appoint the members of the Council for a term of five (5)
years, renewable for one term.

SEC. 5. Functions and Responsibilities of the Council. The Council shall be responsible
for the following:

(a) Formulation and implementation of the Malubal Falls Development Plan, in
consultation with local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders;

(b) Assessment and evaluation of the potential impact of the development to the
environmental safety and well-being of the site, communities, and enterprises;

(©) Provision of technical and financial assistance to communities within the site;

(d) Formulation of rules and regulations in relation to the maintenance and security of
the ecotourism site;

(e) Performance of other functions as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of
this Act.

SEC. 6. Implementing Agency. The DOT shall be the agency which shall take care of
planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring this Act.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. The funding necessary for the implementation of this Act shall
be included in the yearly budget allocation for the DOT under the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions, which are not affected thereby, shall continue to
be in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders
or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,