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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 250 —

NTATIVE ANTONIO “TONYPET® T. ALBANO

Introduced by REPRES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Constitution provides that the Senate shall protect and advance the right of the
people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature
(Section 16, Article II)

This bill seeks to declare Fuyot Springs National Park in Barangay Sta. Victoria, City
of Hagan, Province of Isabela as ecotourism site

Fuyot Springs National Park was declared as national park for the benefit and
enjoyment of the people of the Philippines by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 327, s
1938 under the administration of President Manuel L/. Quezon, Fuyot Springs National Park
contains an area of approximately 819 hectares. It is located six (6) kilometers north of the
City of Hagan.

One of the attractions in the park is the Sta. Victoria Caves which has more than
twelve (12) caves which are open to the public for spelunking. It has lattices, stalactites and
stalagmites, Also found in the park is the Pinzal Falls which can be reached by trekking a
pathway of rocks and waterholes. These attractions in the Fuyot Springs Natural Park is
perfect for travelers who seek adventure.

‘The declaration of Fuyot Springs Natural Park as an ecotourism site will enhance
tourism development and promotion program. It will also ensure the protection and
preservation of biological diversity. Its development as an ecotourism site will provide
economic benefits as it will generate income opportunities for the local people.

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



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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

House BILLNO.__250

Introduced by REPRE! ‘ATIVE ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO

AN ACT
DECLARING THE FUYOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK LOCATED IN
BARANGAY STA. VICTORIA, CITY OF ILAGAN, PROVINCE OF ISABELA, AN
ECOTOURISM 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. The Fuyot Springs National Park located in Barangay Sta. Victoria, City
of Tagan, Province of Isabela, is hereby declared an ecotourism destination. As such, its
development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned
agencies, subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism
destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in coordination
with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and concerned local
government units and agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism development plan
that shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities
and infrastructure that shall enhance ecotourism in the area: Provided, That said development
plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the
area: Provided, further, That any activity and development to be carried out in the area shall 2
conform with the requirements of Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National 3
Integrated Protected Areas System Act, as amended

The development plan shall likewise be consistent with the Protected Area Management
Plan prepared by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Fuyot Springs
National Park.

A representative from the DOT shall be included as member of the PAMB of the Fuyot
Springs National Park to address tourism-related concerns of the National Park,


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SEC. 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the tourism development
plan and shall incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the calendar year
immediately succeeding the approval of this Act. It shall also include the Fuyot Springs
National Park in all its national, regional and local promotion programs.

SEC. 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 shall augment such allocation with internally generated funds of the
Department.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 6. If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the
other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. All laws, executive orders, proclamations, presidential decrees and other
issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or
amended accordingly.

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

Approved,