Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6001

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative SHAREE ANN T. TAN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Lulugayan Falls and Ecovillage as an ecotourism
site in the Municipality of Calbiga, Province of Samar.

The Lulugayan Falls in the Municipality of Calbiga, Province of Samar is
one of the most sought tourist destinations in the Province of Samar because of
its beautiful waterfall cascades and refreshing water. Lulugayan Falls is even
often dubbed as the mini-Niagara Falls and is considered as Samar’s most
popular waterfall.

Lulugayan Falls is located fourteen (14) kilometers from the center of the
town of Calbiga. It is one of the widest waterfalls in the Philippines with a span
of about fifty (50) meters in width. Lulugayan Falls’ highest drop is about thirty
(30) meters. The breathtakingly beautiful waterfall cascades and the thorough
water drops make Lulugayan Falls an exceptional waterfall.

The declaration of Lulugayan Falls as an ecotourism site will not only
result to the development and improvement of the tourist site but will likewise
help in the furtherance of socio-economic development in the local communities
as well as in the whole country.

As embodied in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, 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. In light of all this, the immediate
passage of this bill is earnestly sought,

sua can

Second District, Samar


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6001
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative SHAREE ANN T. TAN

AN ACT
DECLARING LULUGAYAN FALLS AND ECOVILLAGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY
OF CALBIGA, PROVINCE OF SAMAR AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 “Lulugayan Falls and
Ecovillage Ecotourism Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - The 1987 Philippine Constitution
mandates 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,

Accordingly, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote an
ecologically-sustainable and effective tourist industry that will enhance
environmental preservation and support socio-economic development.

SECTION 3. The Lulugayan Falls Ecotourism Site. The Lulugayan Falls in
the Municipality of Calbiga, Province of Samar is hereby declared as an
ecotourism site. Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of ecotourism sites.

The DOT, in coordination with the concerned local government units as
well as with the other concerned government agencies, shall prepare a tourism
development plan for Lulugayan Falls which shall be incorporated in the overall
National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593,
otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009”, and which shall also include the
construction and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities in the area;
Provided, That the development plan shall ensure the preservation and
conservation of the scenery and resources of the area.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty (60) days after
the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DOT, in consultation with the
concerned local government units, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.


SECTION 5. Appropriations. 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 internally generated
funds of the DOT.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations,
executive orders or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby deemed
repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,