Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
1 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT 
DECLARING MACAHAMBUS GORGE AND ITS ENVIRONS LOCATED IN 
BARANGAY LUMBIA, CITY OF CAGAYAN DE ORO, PROVINCE OF MISAMIS 
ORIENTAL, AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Macahambus Gorge with its environs is a spectacular scene located in 
Barangay Lumbia of Cagayan de Oro City. It is a popular destination for 
travelers and adventurers who want to experience breathtaking adventures 
with panoramic scenery. The gorge is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, 
which is home to a diverse range of species, flora, and fauna. 
In addition to its natural beauty, Macahambus Gorge also has historical 
significance. In June 1900, the Battle of Macahambus was fought between 
Filipino and American forces during the Philippine-American War. The Filipinos 
won the battle, which is considered one of the few victories and it was said 
that the Macahambus battle was the only known major victory by Filipino 
forces in Mindanao during the war. 
As tourism in the Philippines continues to grow, Macahambus Gorge is 
expected to see an increase in visitors. By declaring Macahambus Gorge and its 
environs as an Ecotourism Zone, would allow the city to better manage 
tourism, protect the environment, contribute to a vibrant local economy, and 
create jobs and opportunities for local residents. 
September 26, 2023
2:17 pm
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Macahambus Gorge is a truly captivating and special place. It is a must-
visit destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. 
 
In light of the preceding, this bill’s approval is fervently sought. 
 
 
 
 
LORDAN G. SUAN 
Cagayan de Oro City – 1st District 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
1 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by Representative LORDAN G. SUAN 
AN ACT 
DECLARING MACAHAMBUS GORGE AND ITS ENVIRONS LOCATED IN 
BARANGAY LUMBIA, CITY OF CAGAYAN DE ORO, PROVINCE OF MISAMIS 
ORIENTAL, AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE 
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 “Macahambus 
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Gorge Ecotourism Zone Act”. 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The state affirms the people's right to 
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a balanced environment in harmony with nature, recognizing tourism's vital 
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role in the economy. Furthermore, it is the state's policy to promote both 
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tourism and ecological sustainability for enhanced environmental protection 
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and socioeconomic growth, utilizing ecotourism zones as a means to 
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harmonize these objectives. 
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SECTION 3. Macahambus Gorge Ecotourism Zone. — The Macahambus 
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Gorge located in  Barangay Lumbia, City of Cagayan De Oro, Province of 
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Misamis Oriental, is hereby declared as an ecotourism zone. Pursuant thereto, 
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its development shall be prioritized and supported by the Department of 
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Tourism (DOT) and other concerned agencies of the government, subject to the 
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rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones. 
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SECTION 4. Scope and Coverage. — This Act shall cover the Macahambus 
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Gorge and its environs including Macahambus cave, hill, and stream. 
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The setting of technical boundaries of the ecotourism zone shall be 
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undertaken by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 
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and other concerned agencies of the government. 
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SECTION 5. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act: 
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A. Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism within a natural area 
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where community participation, protection and management of 
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natural resources, cultural and indigenous knowledge and practices, 
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environmental education and ethics, as well as economic benefits are 
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fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and 
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satisfaction of visitors; 
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B. Community-based tourism refers to a form of tourism where the local 
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community and its residents have substantial control over and 
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involvement in the development and management of the local tourism 
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industry and a greater portion of the economic gains remain within the 
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community; 
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SECTION 6. Development Strategies. – To accomplish the development of 
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the Macahambus Gorge as an ecotourism zone, the State shall: 
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a. Develop and promote responsible community-based ecotourism as the 
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core management strategy in the development of the ecotourism zone; 
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b. Ensure the conservation of the biodiversity and the preservation of 
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said ecotourism zone; 
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c. Develop tourism products and programs that will generate 
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employment and livelihood for the local residents concerned, 
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consistent with the preservation and maintenance of the natural 
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resources; 
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d. Guarantee that the financial and economic benefits of the tourism 
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industry are equitably shared by and distributed among the local 
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residents concerned, by giving preference and support to community- 
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and home-based micro and small tourism enterprises, such as food and 
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fruit stands, and other similar tourism-oriented businesses and 
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activities; 
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e. Ensure that the quality of local tourism programs and activities are 
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educational and enriching for tourists and visitors through the 
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provision of orientation, educational, and tour programs by local tour 
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operators, non-government organizations (NGOs), concerned local 
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government units (LGUs), DOT and DENR; and 
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f. Guarantee that in the development and promotion of the local tourism 
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industry, the concerned LGUs shall ensure the adequate provision of 
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water supply, food, energy, and transportation for the needs of the 
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local residents and communities. 
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SECTION 7. Appropriations. – The funding for the implementation of this 
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Act shall be included in the annual budget of the local government of Cagayan 
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De Oro City. The DOT may augment such allocation with internally generated 
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funds. 
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SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days 
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from the effectivity of this Act, the local government of Cagayan de Oro City 
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shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government, 
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promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act. 
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SECTION 9. Separability Clause. — Any portion or provisions of this Act 
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that may be declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of 
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nullifying other portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining 
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portions or provisions can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety. 
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SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, issuances, 
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rules, and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed, 
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amended, or modified accordingly. 
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SECTION 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
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its publication in the Official Gazette, in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
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circulation, or a website provided for by law. 
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Approved,