Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE'BILL No? * 9269.

Introduced by Representative Jefferson F. Khonghun

AN ACT DECLARING LAKE MAPANUEPE LOCATED IN BARANGAY
AGLAO, MUNICIPALITY OF SAN MARCELINO, PROVINCE OF
ZAMBALES, A TOURIST SPOT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Dubbed as the New Zealand of the Zambales because of the vast green
pastures and lush green grass, Lake Mapanuepe is one of the newest tourist
destinations in the Province of Zambales, particularly situated in Barangay
Aglao, Municipality of San Marcelino. In addition, the area is surrounded by
hills and towering pine trees.

According to its past history, Lake Mapanuepe was formed as an aftermath of
the explosion of Mt. Pinatubo in the year 1991. The lahar coming from the
volcanic eruption blocks all exit points of water going down the Mapanuepe
Valley in Barangay Aglao and Barangay Buhawen as well as the Sto. Tomas
River to the west. As a result, the rising waters submerged the Mapanuepe
Valley and Lake Mapanuepe comes into existence.

Today, many tourists flock the town of San Marcelino to experience the
natural beauty of the lake. As such, it is fitting that Lake Mapanuepe be
converted into a tourist spot. Further development of the area will not only
attract tourism, but more importantly, conserve the natural beauty of nature
found in the area. This will also spur tourism and provide a source of
livelihood for the people in surrounding communities.

In view of the forgoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly


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Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

* 9269

HOUSEBILL NO

Introduced by Representative Jefferson F. Khonghun

AN ACT DECLARING LAKE MAPANUEPE LOCATED IN BARANGAY
AGLAO, MUNICIPALITY OF SAN MARCELINO, PROVINCE OF
ZAMBALES, A TOURIST SPOT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Lake Mapanuepe, located in Barangay Aglao, Municipality
of San Marcelino, Province of Zambales, is hereby declared a tourist spot. As
such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism
(DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of
tourist spots. The DOT shall likewise prioritize the establishment of a tourist
center in the area, to be known as the Lake Mapanuepe Tourist Center that
shall showcase the historical significance of the lake.

SECTION 2. Within six (6) months after the approval of this Act, the
DOT, in coordination with other concerned agencies of the government, shall
prepare a tourism development plan consisting, among others, the
construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
infrastructure that shall encourage tourism in the area: Provided, that said
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the

natural beauty and historical significance thereof.


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SECTION 3. The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the
tourism development plan for Lake Mapanuepe and shall incorporate the
same in the National Tourism Development Plan.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the
Secretary of the DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for
the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,