Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
 
In alignment with the vision to revitalize tourism in Samar Province, the Provincial 
Government initiated the Spark Samar movement in 2015, with the goal of 
establishing Samar as a leading tourist destination in the Philippines. Bolstered by 
the collective efforts of the people of Samar, this initiative has grown into the 
transformative Spark Samar Development Agenda (SSDA), promoting sustainable 
tourism and economic prosperity across the region. 
 
Among the promising tourism circuits and sites identified in the First District of 
Samar, Onoyan Falls located at Brgy. San Rufino, Calbayog City, stands out as a 
potential catalyst for economic activity and community livelihoods. Nestled amidst 
verdant forests, Onoyan falls captivates visitors with its majestic cascade of pristine 
waters flowing into tranquil, turquoise basin, ideal for swimming and relaxation.   
The proposed establishment of the Onoyan Falls as an ecotourism site will greatly 
aid in the development of its potential as a tourist destination in the Province of 
Samar. More so, the establishment of the Onoyan Falls as an ecotourism site will 
surely boost the realization of Provincial Government of Samar’s visions under the 
Spark Samar Development Agenda.  
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
July 8, 2025
6:05 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING ONOYAN FALLS LOCATED IN BRGY. SAN RUFINO, CITY OF 
CALBAYOG, PROVINCE OF SAMAR AS AN ECO-TOURISM DESTINATION 
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 “Onoyan Falls Ecotourism Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - 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 equitable for local communities. To this end, 
the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms and infrastructures for 
sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop certain areas and sites 
identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having potential for tourism to drive and 
propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. The Onoyan Falls Ecotourism Site. The Onoyan Falls located in Barangay 
San Rufino, in the City of Calbayog, Province of Samar is hereby established as an 
ecotourism site. Its development shall be incorporated in the Department of Tourism’s 
(DOT) National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) successor plan for 2023 – 2028 and 
be jointly implemented with City of Calbayog and Provincial Tourism Office of the 
Province of Samar. The construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities in the 
area shall be a shared responsibility of the DOT and the local government unit with 
emphasis on sustainable development and resource management. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall include in its 
Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the funding of which 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism Council, after 
due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other stakeholders, shall 
promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act within sixty 
(60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take effect after sixty (60) days
with or without the IRR.
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SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and 
issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,