Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 813 
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
        AN ACT 
DECLARING THE MACAHAMBUS GORGE AND ITS IMMEDIATE 
ENVIRONS, LOCATED IN BARANGAY LUMBIA, CITY OF CAGAYAN DE 
ORO, PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Macahambus Gorge and its environs is a spectacular scene located in 
Barangay Lumbia of Cagayan de Oro City. It is a popular destination for 
travelers and adventurers who want to experience breathtaking adventures 
with panoramic scenery. The gorge is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, 
which is home to a diverse range of species, flora, and fauna. 
In addition to its natural beauty, Macahambus Gorge also has historical 
significance. In June 1900, the Battle of Macahambus was fought between 
Filipino and American forces during the Philippine-American War. The 
Filipinos won the battle, which is considered one of the few victories and it 
was said that the Macahambus battle was the only known major victory by 
Filipino forces in Mindanao during the war. 
As tourism in the Philippines continues to grow, Macahambus Gorge is 
expected to see an increase in visitors. By declaring Macahambus Gorge and 
its environs as an Ecotourism Zone, would allow the city to better manage 
tourism, protect the environment, and create jobs and opportunities for local 
residents. 
July 1, 2025
1:35 pm


Macahambus Gorge is a truly captivating and special place. It is a must-
visit destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. 
In light of the preceding, this bill’s approval is fervently sought. 
LORDAN G. SUAN 
Cagayan de Oro City – 1st District 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 813 
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE MACAHAMBUS GORGE AND ITS IMMEDIATE 
ENVIRONS, LOCATED IN BARANGAY LUMBIA, CITY OF CAGAYAN DE 
ORO, PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL, AN ECOTOURISM ZONE 
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 “Macahambus
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Gorge Ecotourism Zone Act.” 
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to promote a 
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tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, 
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culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitably beneficial to local 
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communities.  
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To this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms 
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and infrastructure for sustainable tourism development. It shall develop and 
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promote areas and sites identified as tourism destinations in order to drive 
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and propel inclusive growth throughout the country. 
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SEC. 3. Macahambus Gorge Ecotourism Zone. – The Macahambus 
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Gorge and its immediate environs, located in Barangay Lumbia, City of 
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Cagayan de Oro, Province of Misamis Oriental, are hereby declared as 
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ecotourism zone. Pursuant thereto, the development of the Macahambus 
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Gorge and its immediate environs shall be prioritized and supported by the 
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Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing 
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the development of ecotourism zones. 
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SEC. 4. Scope and Coverage. – This Act shall cover the Macahambus 
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Gorge and its immediate environs including the Macahambus cave, hill, and 
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stream. 
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The setting of the technical boundaries of the ecotourism zone shall 
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be undertaken by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
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(DENR) and other concerned agencies of the government. 
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SEC. 5. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
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(a) Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism within 
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a natural area where community participation, protection and 
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management of natural resources, cultural and indigenous 
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knowledge and practices, environmental education and ethics, 
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as well as economic benefits, are fostered and pursued for the 
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enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of visitors; and 
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(b) Community-based ecotourism refers to a form of tourism 
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where the local community and its residents have substantial 
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control over the development and management of the local 
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tourism industry wherein the greater portion of the economic 
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gains remains within the community. 
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SEC. 6. Development Strategies. – To accomplish the development 
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of the Macahambus Gorge and its immediate environs as an ecotourism 
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zone, the State shall: 
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(a) Develop  and  promote  responsible,  community-based  
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ecotourism  as  the  core management strategy in the 
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development of the ecotourism zone; 
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(b) Ensure the conservation of the biodiversity and the 
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preservation of the said ecotourism zone; 
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(c) Develop tourism products and programs that will generate 
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employment and livelihood for the local residents concerned, 
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consistent with the preservation and maintenance of the natural 
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resources; 
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(d) Guarantee that the financial and economic benefits of the 
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tourism industry are equitably shared by and distributed among 
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the local residents concerned by giving preference and support 
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to community- and home-based micro- and small tourism 
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enterprises, such as food and fruit stands, and other similar 
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tourism-oriented businesses and activities; 
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(e) Ensure that the quality of local tourism programs and 
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activities are educational and enriching for tourists and visitors 
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through the provision of orientation, educational and tour 
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programs 
by 
local 
tour 
operators, 
non-government 
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organizations, concerned local government units (LGUs), DOT, 
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and DENR; and 
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(f) Guarantee that in the development and promotion of the 
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local tourism industry, the concerned LGUs shall ensure the 
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adequate provision of water supply, food, energy, and 
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transportation for the needs of the local residents and 
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communities. 
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SEC. 7. Tourism Development Plan. – Within one (1) year after the 
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approval of this Act, the city government of Cagayan de Oro shall, in 
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coordination with the DOT, DENR, and concerned agencies of the 
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government, prepare a tourism development plan that shall include the 
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construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities 
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and infrastructure to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said 
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development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the 
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natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further, That the 
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implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in 
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the budget of the city government of Cagayan de Oro. 
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SEC. 8. Role of the DOT – The DOT shall assist the city government 
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of Cagayan de Oro in the implementation of the tourism development 
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plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It 
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shall also include the Macahambus Gorge and its immediate environs in 
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its national and regional promotion programs. 
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SEC. 9. Appropriations. – The funding for the implementation of this 
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Act shall be included in the annual budget of the city government of 
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Cagayan de Oro. 
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The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone 
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Authority (TIEZA), if necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA’s 
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program. 
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SEC. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) 
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days from the effectivity of this Act, the city government of Cagayan de Oro 
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shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the 
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government, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act. 
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SEC. 11. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act shall 
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be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected 
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thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
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SEC. 12. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, regulations, executive 
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orders, 
proclamations, 
presidential 
decrees, 
and 
other 
issuances 
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inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed 
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repealed or amended accordingly. 
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SEC. 13. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
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its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved,