1 
Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 3570 
Introduced by Representatives ALFEL M. BASCUG and EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE PINANDAGATAN FALLS LOCATED IN BARANGAY 
NEW 
TUBIGON, 
MUNICIPALITY 
OF 
SIBAGAT, 
PROVINCE 
OF AGUSAN DEL SUR, AN ECOTOURISM SITE 
Explanatory Note 
This bill seeks to declare Pinandagatan Falls as an ecotourism site in 
Barangay New Tubigon, Municipality of Sibagat, Province of Agusan del Sur. 
Pinandagatan Falls is a newly discovered multi-tiered waterfall, situated in 
the remote barangay of New Tubigon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. Being immersed 
deep in the forest of Agusan del Sur, this is considered an amazing, untouched, 
hidden paradise. With its expanse of different majestic tiers, the Caraga 
Backpackers Group recorded the site as possibly the longest running waterfall 
and one of the best waterfalls in the Caraga Region. The place is also the home 
of various attractions, including a beautiful mountain and a wide variety of flora 
and fauna, where tourists can enjoy a number of popular ecotourism-related 
activities such as trekking, swimming, bird watching, picnics, camping, nature 
viewing, and nature photography. 
This hidden tourist gem has been a local tourist attraction but has never 
been publicly exposed to other tourists in the Philippines or the world. Due to a 
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lack of needed development and promotion, the tourism potential of the place has 
been curtailed. 
Thus, in order for this gem to be developed and become a fully grown 
tourist destination, it should be declared as an ecotourism site. The development 
of Pinandagatan Falls into an ecotourism site will not just enhance its aesthetic 
value but also increase local government revenue and create employment 
opportunities for the people of Agusan del Sur. 
Notably, this measure has been previously filed in the 19th Congress. The 
House of Representatives approved it on 3rd Reading and the bill had been duly 
transmitted to the Senate.  
The immediate passage of this bill is hereby earnestly sought. 
    ALFEL M. BASCUG  
EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
 1ST District, Agusan del Sur 
2nd District, Agusan del Sur 


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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 3570 
Introduced by Representatives ALFEL M. BASCUG and EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE PINANDAGATAN FALLS LOCATED IN BARANGAY 
NEW 
TUBIGON, 
MUNICIPALITY 
OF 
SIBAGAT, 
PROVINCE 
OF AGUSAN DEL SUR, AN ECOTOURISM SITE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SEC. 1. The Pinandagatan Falls located in Barangay New Tubigon, 
Municipality of Sibagat, Province of Agusan del Sur is hereby declared an 
ecotourism site. Pursuant thereto, its development shall be prioritized and 
supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and 
regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites. 
SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the municipal 
government of Sibagat shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources and concerned agencies of the government, 
prepare a tourism development plan that shall include the construction, 
installation and maintenance of such appropriate infrastructure and facilities to 
enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure 
the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: 


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Provided, further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall 
be included in the budget of the municipal government of Sibagat.  
 
SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the municipal government of Sibagat in the 
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical 
assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include the Pinandagatan 
Falls in its national and regional promotion programs.  
 
SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included 
in the annual budget of the municipal government of Sibagat. The DOT may 
augment such allocation with internally-generated funds. 
 
SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the 
municipal government of Sibagat shall, in consultation with the DOT and 
concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules and regulations to 
implement 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, rules, regulations, 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,