Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL N@246

INTRODUCED BY REP. MAXIMO JR. Y. DALOG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines boasts of its beautiful and various tourism destinations ranging from
heavenly beaches to majestic mountains, waterfalls, lakes, caves and man-made
attractions like the different rice terraces in the Northern part of the country. These
tourist destinations have in fact attracted millions of visitors every year save for the
periods when visitors were not allowed because of the pandemic.

However, despite the number of known tourist destinations, there are a lot of tourism
potentials in the country that have yet to be developed, discovered and more
importantly preserved. One of these lesser known tourism potentials in the Philippines
is the municipality of Barlig in Mountain Province. Barlig, Mountain Province is home
to the tenth highest mountain in the Philippines, Mount Amuyao frequented by
adventurous local mountaineers for its thick mossy forest cover and abundance of flora
and fauna. It is also where the famous Philippine Eagle was sighted in the late 1990s.
In addition, Barlig offers varied tourist spots from cascading waterfalls, cool pristine
lakes, hot springs, wonderful rock formations, majestic mountain ranges, beautiful rice
terraces, burial caves, unique cultural patterns that is showcased during the three
festivals in the municipality and the most sought after cool temperature during summer
which give an unforgettable and distinctive experience to those who both love nature
and culture,

Considering that tourism is a fast-growing industry in the Philippines, there is therefore
a need to develop tourism potentials like the municipality of Barlig, Mountain Province.

MAXIMO JR. Y.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly urgi



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.1246

INTRODUCED BY REP. MAXIMO JR. Y. DALOG

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BARLIG IN MOUNTAIN
PROVINCE A TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA

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

Sec. 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Barlig Tourism Development
Area" (Barlig TDA) Act.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. -\t is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative,
culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable local communities. Towards
this end, the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms and infrastructure
for sustainable tourism development. It shall develop and promote certain areas and
sites identified as tourist destinations or attractions in order to drive and propel
inclusive growth throughout the country.

Sec. 3. Scope and Coverage. The Municipality of Barlig in Mountain Province
is hereby declared a tourism development area (TDA), and hereinafter shall be
referred to as the Barlig TDA. The following areas within the municipality which are
endowed with natural beauty, pristine waters, mountain resources, and historical and
cultural significance, shall be included in the Barlig TDA and shall be developed as
tourism destinations:

a. Mount Amuyao and the mountain range of Kadaclan;

b. Barlig Rice Terraces in Barangays Gawana, Fiangtin, Macalana and
Latang;

c. Kadaclan Rice Terraces in Barangays Lunas, Chupac, Kaleo and Ogo-og;

d. Lias Rice Terraces and Challos Falls in Barangay Lias Silangan and Lias
Kanluran;

e. Topnew and Lingoy Hotsprings and Lake Tufov in Barangay Lingoy;

f. Mornang Hotspring, Mornang and Allob Falls, Siblaw Taraw Lake and the
Wonderful Rock in Barangay Latang;


. Lettang Burial Caves and the Lettang, Moyopoyop and Patyayan Falls in
Barangay Lunas;

. Or-or Falls in Barangay Kaleo;
Amfitayok Falls in Barangay Ogo-og;
Tokchag Falls in Barangay Gawana;
Lusong Fukian Kan Wikian Rock Formation in Barangay Fiangtin; and
Pangngor Chin Stone and Tomallan Waterfalls in Barangay Macalana.

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The development of the Barlig TDA shall be prioritized and supported by the
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of tourism development areas.

Sec. 4. Municipal Tourism Council of Barlig. — There is hereby organized the
Municipal Tourism Council of Barlig, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall
be the primary policy-making, planning and coordinating body in the development of
tourism in the Municipality of Barlig and administration of tourism sites thereat.

The Council shall be composed of the:

a) Mayor of the Municipality of Barlig, as the Chairperson;

b) Barangay Chairpersons of all barangays of the Municipality of Barlig, who

shall elect from among themselves the Vice-Chairperson;

Member of the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Barlig who is duly

designated by such body;

d) Regional and Provincial Directors of the Department of Tourism (DOT),
National Economic Development Authority, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Public Works and Highways;

e) Provincial Governor of Mountain Province, as ex-officio member;

f) Representative of the Lone District of Mountain Province, as ex-officio

member; and

Two (2) representatives from the private sector, nominated by the private

sector tourism industry organizations in the Municipality of Barlig and

appointed by the Chairperson of the Council, who shall serve for a period of
two (2) years.

°)

The Council shall have the following functions:

a) Ensure that constituencies, sectors and groups, whose interests may be
affected by the tourism development in the municipality, are given sufficient
‘opportunities to be heard;

b) Pursue consultations with relevant sectors and constituents, conduct

research, and engage the assistance of experts and other resource

persons, as may be needed in the performance of its functions;

Formulate programs and recommendations to develop local tourism

facilities and attractions;

d) Assist in monitoring the implementation of Republic Act No. 7160, as
amended, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991,” on
the matter of licensing of tourism establishment in the locality to ascertain
safe and enjoyable stay of travelers;

°)


€) Strictly enforce sanitary standards in public restrooms located in places
frequented by passengers of public utility vehicles and tourism transport
services, such as gasoline stations, restaurants along main highways and
bus stops;

f) Appoint the Trust Fund Administrator of the Barlig Tourism Development
Trust Fund; and

g) Perform any other duties in accordance with the guidelines of the
Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The Council may create such committees as it may deem necessary, and
provide for the functions and the memberships thereof to assist it in the proper and
effective performance of its functions. The Council may call on the other government
agencies and offices to provide advice and assistance on matters relating to the
performance of its functions and the development of tourism in the Municipality of
Barlig

The Municipal Government of Barlig shall provide a Secretariat for the Council.

Sec. 5. Tourism Development Plan of Barlig. - Within one (1) year after the
approval of this Act, the Council shall, in coordination with the DOT, the DENR 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 the tourism
development pian shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty
and resources of the area: Provided, further, That the implementation of the said
development plan shall take into consideration Republic Act No. 7586, as amended,
otherwise known as the “National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992,”:
Provided, finally, That the implementation of the development plan shall be included
in the budget of the municipal government of Barlig.

Sec. 6. Role of the Department of Tourism. - The DOT shall assist the
municipal government of Barlig in the implementation of the tourism development plan
by providing technical assistance on tourism capacity building. It shall also include the
Barlig TDA in its national and regional promotion programs.

Sec. 7. Barlig Tourism Development Trust Fund. — There is hereby
established a trust fund under this Act to be known as the Barlig Tourism Development
Trust Fund for the purpose of financing projects which shall enhance tourism in the
municipality. Funds shall be derived from fees collected from visitors, proceeds from
the registration and lease of multiple-use areas, including tourism concessions, fees,
proceeds and contributions form industries and facilities directly benefiting the
municipality, and other resources from the Province.

The Barlig Tourism Development Trust Fund may be augmented by grants and
donations, endowment from various sources, domestic or foreign entities and
individuals, for purposes related to their functions: Provided, That disbursements
therefrom shall be in accordance with existing accounting and auditing rules and
regulations: Provided, further, That it shall not be used for personnel services.


The Barlig Tourism Development Trust Fund shall be administered by a Trust
Fund Administrator who shall be under the supervision of the Municipal Tourism
Council of Barlig.

Sec. 8. Appropriations. - The funding for the implementation of this Act shall
be included in the annual budget of the municipal government of Barlig. The DOT may
augment such allocation with internally-generated funds.

Sec. 9. Separability Clause. — 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. 10. Repealing Clause. — Ail laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,
rules and regulations and other issuances contrary to or inconsistent with this Act shall
be deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,