Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives S
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City “

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House BillNo,__ 8070

Introduced by ALFEL M. BASCUG, Representative,
15 Legislative District of Agusan del Sur.

“AN ACT DECLARING MANAGONG WATERFALLS IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF SIBAGAT, PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR AS
AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

Explanatory Note

This bill seeks to declare Managong Waterfalls as an ecotourism
site in the Municipality of Sibagat, Province of Agusan del Sur.

Managong Waterfalls located in Barangay Padiay, Municipality of
Sibagat is known to be the biggest and tallest falls in the Province of
Agusan del Sur. This hidden beauty is a home of various attractions such
as a beautiful mountain scenery, a wide variety of flora and fauna and a
deep bluish water in which tourists can enjoy numerous common
ecotourism related activities such as swimming, hiking, trekking,
mountaineering, kayaking and other wide adventures.

This hidden gem has been considered as a tourist attraction to
locals but has never been publicly exposed to other tourists in the
Philippines and the world. With the lack of needed development and
promotion, the tourism potential of the place has been curtailed. Thus, in
order for this gem to be developed and become a fully grown tourism

1


destination, it should be declared as an ecotourism site. The development
of Lake Himbang into an ecotourism site will not just enhance its aesthetic
value but will also boost local government income and create employment
opportunities for the people of Agusan del Sur.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly

sought.
FEL M. BASCU


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House BillNo.__ 8070

Introduced by ALFEL M. BASCUG, Representative,
15" Legislative District of Agusan del Sur.

“AN ACT DECLARING MANAGONG WATERFALLS IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF SIBAGAT, PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR AS
AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR”

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

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the Managong
Waterfalls Ecotourism Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. As mandated in the 1987
Philippine Constitution, the State shall protect and advance the right of the
people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature. Further, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible,
participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitably
beneficial to local communities.

SECTION 3. The Managong Waterfalls Ecotourism Site. The
Managong Falls located in the Municipality of Sibagat, Province of Agusan
del Sur is hereby declared as an ecotourism site. Its development shall

5}


be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to
the rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites.

SECTION 4. Tourism Development Plan. The DOT, in
coordination with the concerned local government units as well as with the
other concerned government agencies, shall prepare a tourism
development plan for Managong Falls which shall be incorporated in the
overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant to Republic
Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009” and which
shall also include the construction, installation and maintenance of
appropriate infrastructure and facilities in the area; Provided, That said
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the
scenery and resources of the area.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty
(60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DOT, in
consultation with the concerned local government units, the Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other agencies,
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Appropriations. 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 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or
the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is
declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the application of
such provision to other person or circumstance shall not be affected by
such declaration.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. -All laws, decrees, letters of
instructions, executive orders and rules and regulations and other
issuances or parts thereof in consistent or in conflict with any provision of
this Act.

SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen

(15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of
general circulation.

Approved,