EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBUC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
11:00 a.m.
SENATE
S.B. No. 2417
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT DECLARING DIBULO FALLS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
DINAPIGUE, PROVINCE OF ISABELA, AS A TOURIST DESTINATION,
PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 9593, or the Tourism Act of 2009, states: "The State declares 
tourism as an indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of 
national interest and importance, which must be harnessed as an engine of socio­
economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange 
and employment, and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all 
Filipinos."
The promotion of tourism is one of the most important factors in the growth of 
communities and cities. Improvement of accessibility through infrastructure, creation 
of employment possibilities, and an increase in investment in the area are some of the 
advantages of tourism. The economic impact on host communities alters the landscape 
of its people's lives and encourages others to visit and enjoy these destinations.
The Municipality of Dinapigue in Isabela Province is a hidden paradise of the 
north with potential to become one of the country's premier eco-tourist destinations. 
The Dibulo Falls, located in Barangay Dibulo has a 100-meter drop, a 25-meter wide 
basin, and a depth of 20 feet. The waterfalls can be accessed by a 3-kilometer road 
ride and a 500-meter hike from the barangay proper. During summer, it is becoming 
a popular summer destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Hence, this bill aims to promote the grandeur of Dibulo Falls by improving access 
to the majestic location to attract more Filipino and foreign tourists, as well as 
supporting its protection and conservation.
In view of the foregoing, the expeditious passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
IMEE R. MARCOS


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBUC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2417
RECEIVED
FLED
NDEX
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT DECLARING DIBULO FALLS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
DINAPIGUE, PROVINCE OF ISABELA, AS A TOURIST DESTINATION, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. The Dibulo Falls in the Municipality of Dinapigue, Province of
2 
Isabela, is hereby declared a tourist destination. As such, it shall be accorded with
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priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned
4 
agencies and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development
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of tourist destinations.
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SEC. 2. Within one (1) year from approval of this Act, the DOT shall, in
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coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and
8 
concerned local government units and agencies of the government, prepare a tourism
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development plan that shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of
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such appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall improve the overall feature of
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the area, thereby ensuring the accessibility and security of the tourist; Provided, that
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the said development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the
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natural beauty and resources of the area; Provided, further, that any activity and
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development to be carried out in the area must conform with the concept of
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ecotourism as provided in the National Ecotourism Strategy jointly Issued by the DOT
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and the DENR.
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SEC. 3. The Department of Tourism and its concerned attached agencies shall
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take immediate steps to implement the tourism development plan with due
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consideration to the natural characteristics of Dibulo Falls, and shall Incorporate the
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same in its tourism development program for the calendar year immediately
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succeeding the approval of this Act. It shall also include the Dibulo Falls In all its
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national, regional and local promotion programs.
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1 
SEC. 4. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's program the
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implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual
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General Appropriations Act, and shall augment such allocation with internally
4 
generated funds of the Department.
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SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT shall, in
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consultation with the municipal government of Dinapigue, promulgate the necessary
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rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.
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SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, proclamations, presidential
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decrees and other issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are
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hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.
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SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
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Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,