Sfine of tl)? ^'1 i?t;iij>
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
s.B.NniB48
*22 NOV 24 P2:47
RECEIVED BV
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
DECLARING MT. KITUMMAN LOCATED IN BARANGAY TUNGNGOD IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF LAGAWE, PROVINCE OF IFUGAO, AN ECOTOURISM 
DESTINATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 16, Article II, of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "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."
The historical Bintacan Cave is situated on Mt. Kitumman, which is situated near 
the Ibulao River at the border of the municipalities of Lagawe and Kiangan in the 
Province of Ifugao. Locals are aware that Mt. Kitumman functioned as the Japanese 
Imperial Army's watch tower during the Second World War since it was a strategic 
location to observe important areas and keep an eye on the activities of the enemy. 
Soldiers took refuge at the Bintacan Cave where they dwelled and stored military 
ammunition. Even now, military artifacts from shattered Japanese pottery may still be 
found close to the cave, including a carving of a serpent on the roof above the cave's 
entrance.
Hence, this bill seeks to declare Mt. Kitumman in barangayTunggod, Municipality 
of Lagawe, in the Province of Ifugao, as an ecotourism destination. The approval of 
this measure will not only attract local and foreign tourists but will also give high regards 
to the historical experiences of the people in the Province of Ifugao during the Japanese 
occupation in the country.


Given that Ifugao is also the location of the rice terraces, Mt. Kitumman's 
enhancement brought by its status as an ecotourism destination will strengthen the 
province's tourism industry and significantly contribute to boosting the local economy 
of Ifugao.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
IMEE Rf MARCOS


Ife-a Senate
o(tl]c5:^ iTiiirp
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.B. No. 1548
72 NOV 24 P2 47
RECEIVED BV
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
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AN ACT
DECLARING MT. KITUMMAN LOCATED IN BARANGAY TUNGNGOD IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF LAGAWE, PROVINCE OF IFUGAO, AN ECOTOURISM 
DESTINATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
SECTION 1. Mount Kitumman located in Barangay Tungngod in the Municipality 
of Lagawe, Province of Ifugao, where the historical Bintacan Cave is located, is hereby 
declared an ecotourism destination. As such, its development shall be prioritized by the 
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the 
development of ecotourism destinations.
SEC. 2. Within six (6) months after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in 
coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other 
concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism development plan 
including the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities 
and infrastructure that shall enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said 
development plan shall ensure the preservation of the natural beauty and historical 
significance of the area.
SEC. 3. The DOT, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and 
Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and concerned local 
government units, shall take immediate steps to implement the tourism development 
plan and incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the ensuing 
calendar year.


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SEC. 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 from internally generated funds of the DOT.
SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of 
the DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its proper 
implementation.
SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, presidential decrees and 
other issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed 
repealed or amended accordingly.
SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,