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CATE 4 2000

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

NINETEENTH CONGRESS, NS
First Regular Session

an
House Bit NoLCa8

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT DECLARING NARURON FALLS SITUATED IN BARANGAY OYAO,
MUNICIPALITY OF DUPAX DEL NORTE, PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA AS ECO
TOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS THERFOR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is a clear mandate of our fundamental law to protect and conserve our environment not
only for our benefit but most importantly, for the generations yet to come. Section 16, Article II of
the 1987 Constitution provides 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.”

Further, Section 17, Chapter 2, Title 1, Book 1 of the Republic of 7160, otherwise known as
the Local Government code of 1991, “Empower every local government unit to prepare, adopt,
implement and monitor their local tourism development plans, enforce standards for tourism
enterprises and collect statistical data for tourism purposes.”

With the geographic location of the municipality of Dupax del Norte and its richness in
natural resources, one of the major thrust and priority programs of the municipality is to uplift the
quality of life of the people of the municipality through tourism. The Naruron Falls in barangay
Oyao, municipality of Dupax del Norte is a 7 layered falls with the height of 2,634ft. Because of the
beauty of this falls and the benefits it provides to the community such as irrigation and source of
water energy, we should therefore initiate the move towards its protection and conservation through
the promotion of a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative,
culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for the communities

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

fein Seton) Coctrne/

LUISA LLOREN CUARESMA


Republir of the Philippines
House of Representatives

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1068

HOUSE BILL Ni

Introduced by Rep. Laisa Loren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT DECLARING NARURON FALLS SITUATED IN BARANGAY OYAO,
MUNICIPALITY OF DUPAX DEL NORTE, PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA AS ECO
TOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS THERFOR.

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 the “Naruron Falls Act”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy — This Act promotes eco tourism and adheres to the
following principles:

a) Enshrined in the highest law of the land, is the mandate that the States shall promote the
ideals of conserving and developing our patrimony and declares as a policy the right to a
balanced and healthful ecology,

b) The establishment of eco-tourism parks managed by stakeholders from local communities
translates in real terms the sustainable development paradigm enhancing environmental
preservation and economic growth; and

¢) Consistent with national policy that declares eco-tourism as an indispensable element of
the national economy and an industry of the national interest and importance,

This project, when developed and managed appropriately could significantly offset the
socioeconomic fallout resulting from declined incomes in farming areas. The increased tourist
arrival, expansion of business, and increased job opportunities will contribute to the income
improvement of family, community and government. Municipality affirms that eco-tourism sites are
‘means to spur investment, employment and growth toward sustainable development.

SECTION 3. Objectives — the project seeks to provide numerous economic benefits to the
surrounding community members. Its operation aims to increase income opportunities throughout the
year thereby increasing the family income.

The project is likewise viewed to be a means to encourage more tourists to experience
mountaineering, hiking, trekking and other similar activities while appreciating the beauty of the
falls.

On the part of the municipality, the project intends to support local economy though various
goods and services available to the tourists and by increasing its local tax bases through utilization of
the locally available fresh produce

The project aims to provide not only economic benefits but also social and environmental
benefits including its resultant long-term effects, some of which are enumerated below


Bring different people together by providing opportunities for cultural exchange,

2. Support local crafts produced by women, out-of-school youths, persons with disabilities,
drug surrenders and others;

3. Create a vehicle for educational research and studies; and,

4, Help reduce public health risk against non-organic agricultural products and by

promoting physical outdoor activities.

SECTION 5. Naruron Falls Eco Tourism Site - This Act hereby declares Naruron Falls in
barangay Oyao, municipality of Dupax del Norte, province of Nueva Vizcaya as an Eco Tourism Site.

SECTION 6. Eco Tourism Master Plan ~ The Local Government of the province of Nueva
Vizcaya, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of
Tourism (DOT) shall jointly prepare the Ecotourism Master Plan for the Naruron Falls Eco Tourism
Site and to promulgate necessary rules and regulations to be implemented by the local government in
coordination with concerned government agencies

SECTION 7. Naruron Falls Eco Tourism Management Board ~ There is hereby created a
Naruron Falls Eco Tourism Management Board which shall formulate strategies and guidelines in the
operation, maintenance, promotion and conservation of the park. The Board shall be composed of the
municipal Mayor as Chairperson, the municipal Vice Mayor as Vice Chairperson, the Sangguniang
Bayan as Secretary, the Municipal Tourism officer, the Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on
Environment, the Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on Budget and Finance, the Municipal
Planning Development Officer. Three (3) stakeholders from the local community to appointed by the
municipal Mayor, upon recommendation by the Sangguniang Barangay of Oyao, shall serve as
members of the management board for a term of three (3) years

SECTION 8. Appropriations ~ The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be included in the budget of concerned government agencies in the General Appropriations Act
of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

SECTION 9. Implementation — Within sixty (60) days after the implementation of this Act,
the DENR in coordination with DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulation to govern the
effective implementation of this Act

SECTION 10. Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 11. Effecti
complete publication in the Official Gi

Claluse — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
zette or in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,