Eighteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3613 13

Introduced by
REPRESENTATIVE LOREN LEGARDA

AN ACT
DECLARING KURJANAN FALLS IN BARANGAY IGSORO, MUNICIPALITY OF
BUGASONG, PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE, AN-ECOTOURISM SITE PROVIDING FOR
ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The proposed bill seeks to declare the Kurjanan Falls located in Barangay
Igsoro, Municipality of Bugasong, Province of Antique as an ecotourism site.

Barangay Igsoro is located in the North-Eastem part of Paliwan river, one of
the major rivers in the municipality of Bugasong. Itis enclosed by mountains; Laua-an
mountains in the west, Valderrama mountains on the east, mountains of barangay
Pangalcagan and Yapu in the south, and mountains of Barbaza in the northem part.
It is home to abundant natural resources.

B vy Igsoro is also the home of Kurjanan Falls. It boasts of clear flowing
water, rolling green hills, and rich flora and fauna. With the declaration as an
ecotourism destination, the needed development of Kurjanan Falls will be fast-tracked
while the preservation and conservation of its natural resources will be ensured. This
would also spur growth and bring opportunities to the local and-nearby communities.

in view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

—“TRRENTECAROA

FEB 0 3 2021



Eighteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

House BILL no, 8613

Introduced by
REPRESENTATIVE LOREN LEGARDA

AN-ACT
DECLARING KURJANAN FALLS IN BARANGAY IGSORO, MUNICIPALITY OF
BUGASONG, PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE, AN ECOTOURISM SITE PROVIDING
FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Kurjanan Falls in Barangay Igsoro, Municipality of Bugasong,
Province of Antique is hereby declared an ecotourism site. As such, its development
shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the
rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites.

SECTION 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in
coordination with the concerned local government units and agencies of the
government, shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction,
installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure as shall
encourage tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure
the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area.

SECTION 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the development
plan that will suit the natural characteristic of Kurjanan Falls, and shall incorporate
the same in its tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year. It shall
also include the Kurjanan Falls 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 annual
General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
the DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Alll laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders or parts
thereof inconsistent with this Act, are hereby 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,