Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10391 
__________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This legislation proposes to designate the Ipa-ipa Falls and its surrounding area, 
situated in Barangay Capisan, Zamboanga City, as an eco-tourism zone. The 
objective is to enhance the preservation of the falls' natural allure and its 
surroundings, promoting sustainable tourism in the region. 
Under this proposal, the Department of Tourism (DOT) will oversee and regulate 
tourism activities within the eco-tourism zone in collaboration with local 
government units. Moreover, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
(DENR) will ensure the safeguarding of the area's natural resources. 
The bill mandates the implementation of programs aimed at promoting eco-tourism 
in the area, coupled with the adoption of sustainable practices prioritizing 
environmental conservation. Ultimately, the goal is to foster the sustainable 
development of Ipa-Ipa Falls and its vicinity, safeguarding its natural beauty and 
unique ecosystem for future generations. 
Therefore, this representation seeks the approval of this legislation 
KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO 
May 13, 2024
5:14 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10391 
__________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO 
AN ACT DECLARING THE IPA-IPA FALLS AND ITS ENVIRONS 
LOCATED AT BARANGAY CAPISAN, ZAMBOANGA CITY, AN 
ECOTOURISM ZONE, 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 Ipa-Ipa Falls and its environs located in Barangay Capisan, 
Zamboanga City, is hereby declared an ecotourism zone. As such, its development 
shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) subject to the rules and 
regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones. 
SECTION 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of the this Act, the DOT shall, 
in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 
and concerned local government units and 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 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 conform with the 
concept of ecotourism as provided for in the National Ecotourism Strategy jointly 
formulated by the DOT and DENR. 
SECTION 3. The DOT and its concerned agencies shall take immediate steps to 
implement the development plan with due consideration to the natural characteristics 
of Ipa-Ipa Falls and is environs, 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 Ipa-Ipa Falls and its environs in all its national, 
regional and local promotion programs. 
 
SECTION 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 General 
Appropriations Act, and shall augment such allocation with internally generated 
funds of the Department. 
 
SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT shall, 
in consultation with the city government of Zamboanga City, promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 6. All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees and other issuances 
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed and 
amended accordingly. 
 
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,