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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Hotse BiLLNO._ 1932

Introduced by HON. JOHN TRACY F, CAGAS

AN ACT DECLARING MABANOG FALLS, IN BARANGAY DARAPUAY,
MUNICIPALITY OF BANSALAN, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR AS AN
ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Mabanog Falls in Brgy. Darapuay, Municipality of Bansalan
in Davao del Sur an ecotourism site.

Mabanog Falls is a part of the Mt. Apo Natural Park Protected (MANP), which is
considered one of the most popular nature-based tourism sites in the country. The MANP spans
the provinces of North Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao City. It is also the home to several
indigenous peoples, who consider the park sacred and a burial ground of their forefathers
Similarly, it boasts of its abundant flora and fauna and the provision of various services,
including being a source of water and energy.

Sadly, in a report by the USAID titled, “Baseline Assessment: Environmental Law
Enforcement in the Seven Program Sites”, it was found that in Sitio Mabanog, Barangay
Darapuay, illegal logging is present. Unfortunately, the balance between sustaining the
‘economic needs and environmental protection is a challenge.

Declaring Mabanog Falls as an ecotourism site shall pave the way for funding, its
development and eventually, may be a source of livelihood for the people in the area, with a
minimal impact to the environment,

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly urged.

JOHN F.CAGAS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo,_2932

Introduced by HON. JOHN TRACY F. CAGAS

AN ACT DECLARING MABANOG FALLS, IN BARANGAY DARAPUAY,
MUNICIPALITY OF BANSALAN, PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR 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. Title. - This Act shall be known as “Mabanog Falls Ecotourism Act.”

SEC. 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.

SEC. 3. Mabanog Falls Eco-Tourism Site. -Mabanog Falls, Barangay Darapuay in the
Municipality of Bansalan, Davao Del Sur is hereby declared an eco-tourism site. Its
development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to
the rules and regulations governing the development of the eco-agritourism site.

The DOT shall prepare a development plan that ensures the preservation and
conservation of the natural resources of the area. The plan should also include construction and
maintenance of necessary facilities to enhance the eco-agritourism area and ensure optimum
utilization of assets and resources available.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ It shall be the responsibility of DOT to
promote Mabanog Falls, Barangay Darapuay, Bansalan as an eco-tourism destination in all its
national, regional, and local promotion programs. Within sixty (60) days following the


implementation of this act, the DOT, in consultation with the province of Davao Del Sur and
the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. — The funding of this act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of DOT, the year following its enactment
into law and thereafter.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this shall be held unconstitutional or invalid,
the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders,
proclamations and administrative regulations, or any part or parts thereof, which are

inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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

Approved,