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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No._839

INTRODUCED BY REP. KRISTINE ALIXIE B. TUTOR
THIRD DISTRICT, BOHOL

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines is an archipelago consisting of more than 7,000 islands. It is a prime tourism
destinationthat offers a wide array of sites to visit for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of
city life. From its virgin forests, majestic mountains, and volcanoes to its white pristine beaches, coral
reefs, and water falls, the Philippines is home to world — renowned natural wonders. Some have been
tapped for tourism pursuit, yet others remain unheard of. One such natural beauty is the Can-
umantad Falls in the Municipality of Candijay, Bohol.

Can-umantad falls is a three (3) tier, 60-foot high water falls. It is named after its height (can-
uman or 60) and is said to be the tallest cascade in Bohol. Its water comes from the Cadapdapan
River and falls in multiple layers before finally splashing in the natural basin below which is ideal for
camping or swimming. The majestic waterfall is considered a hidden treasure of the Municipality of
Candijay, Bohol, however, this hidden gem is not even included in the list of tourist attractions in
Bohol. It has never been publicly exposed to other tourist in the Philippines or the world. With the lack
of needed development and promotion, the tourism potential of the place has been largely untapped.

As part of the present administration's core program for the development of the country,
ecotourism is considered an important economic tool that will create a significant source of business
opportunities for the local community. The declaration of the Can-umantad Falls as an ecotourism
site will develop the are into a full-grown tourist destination that will offer both local and foreign
visitors a glimpse of of the Can-umantad Falls’ natural beauty while insuring that it is managed in
ways that are sustainable, pro-community and pro-ecology.


In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

REP. KRISTINEJALEXIE B. TUTOR


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BLL no._839

INTRODUCED BY REP. KRISTINE ALIXIE B. TUTOR
THIRD DISTRICT, BOHOL

AN ACT
DECLARING CAN-UMANTAD FALLS, LOCATED IN BARANGAY CADAPDAPAN,
MUNICIPALITY OF CANDIJAY, PROVINCE OF BOHOL, AN ECOTOURISM SITE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The Can-umantad Falls, located in Barangay Cadapdapan, Municipality of

2 Candijay, Province of Bohol, is hereby declared an ecotourism site. Pursuant thereto, its
3 development shall be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to
4 therules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites.

5 SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the municipal government of
6 Candijay shall, in coordination with the the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural
7 Resources, and concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan that
8 shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and

9 infrastructure to enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure
10 the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided,
11 further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget

12 of the municipal government of Candijay.


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SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the municipal government of Candijay in the implementation
of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building.
It shall also include the Can-umantad 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 Candijay.

The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), if

necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA’s program.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the municipal government
of Candijay shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government,
promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. Ifany 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, 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,