Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._2629

Introduced by Representative KATRINA CHUA - TAL

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Philippines is home to an abundance of natural and ecological landscapes that hold
great potential for sustainable tourism development. Among these is Ipa-Ipa Falls, located in
Barangay Capisan, Zamboanga City—a scenic and tranquil destination admired by both locals and
visitors.

This bill seeks to declare Ipa-Ipa Falls and its surrounding environs as an ecotourism zone.
Under this measure, the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and relevant local government units, shall formulate
a Tourism Development Plan. This plan will include the construction, installation, and
maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and facilities aimed at enhancing ecotourism in the area,
while ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty and ecological integrity, in line with the
principles of responsible tourism outlined in the National Ecotourism Strategy.

The DOT and its concerned agencies will be tasked with implementing the development
plan with careful regard for the natural characteristics of Ipa-Ipa Falls and its environs. This
initiative is envisioned to empower local communities through tourism-driven livelihood
opportunities while safeguarding the environmental health of the area.

Furthermore, the DOT shall include Ipa-Ipa Falls in its national, regional, and local tourism
promotion campaigns, ensuring that the site is recognized as one of the country’s emerging
ecotourism destinations.

With the realization of the ecotourism potential of Ipa-Ipa Falls, Zamboanga City stands to
gain not only in terms of sustainable economic activity but also in strengthening environmental
stewardship and cultural appreciation among its people.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

KATRINA CHUA - TAL
Ist District of Zamboanga City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2629

Introduced by Representative KATRINA CHUA - TAI

AN ACT
DECLARING THE IPA-IPA FALLS AND ITS ENVIRONS
LOCATED AT BARANGAY CAPISAN, ZAMBOANGA CITY,
AN ECOTOURISM ZONE, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPME
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Ecotourism Zone. — The \pa-Ipa Falls and its environs located
in Barangay Capisan, Zamboanga City, is hereby declared an ecotourism zone. As such, its
development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) subject to the rules and
regulations governing the development of ecotourism zones.

SEC. 2. Tourism Development Plan. ~ Within one (1) year after the approval of the this
Act, the DOT shall, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) and concerned local government units and agencies of the government, prepare a tourism
development plan that shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of such
appropriate infrastructure and facilities to enhance ecotourism in the area: Provided, That said
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and
resources of the area: Provided, further, That any activity and development to be carried out in the
area shall conform with the concept of ecotourism as provided for in the National Ecotourism
Strategy jointly formulated by the DOT and DENR.

SEC. 3. Implementation of the Tourism Development Plan. — The DOT and its concerned
agencies shall take immediate steps to implement the development plan with due consideration to
the natural characteristics of Ipa-Ipa Falls and its environs, and shall incorporate the same in its
tourism development program for the calendar year immediately succeeding the approval of this
‘Act. It shall also include the Ipa-Ipa Falls and its environs in all its national, regional, and local
promotion programs.

SEC. 4. Funding. ~ The Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall include the
implementation of this Act in the Department’s programs. The funding necessary for its
implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA), and may be
augmented by internally generated funds of the Department.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DOT shall, in consultation with the local government of Zamboanga
City, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.


SEC. 6. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional
or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, and rules and regulations
or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,