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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 2534 _

Introduced hy REPRESENTATIVE JUMEL ANTHONY I, ESPINO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The downstream Agno River in the Municipalities of Urbiztondo,
Mangatarem, Aguilar, Bugallou aud Lingayen, Province of Pangasinan is an
attraction for nature trippers and adventurers because of it is historical value, natural
beauty, unique attractions and economic importance. It is ideal for its tourism
potentials and ecological significance.

However, so much is yet to be desired in terms of developing the site as a
viable tourist destination without compromising its sustainability as an ecologically-
sensitive natural site — a task that lar exceeds the capabilities of the host LGUs.

It is, therefore, the objective of this bill to develop the Downstream Agno
River to its maximum potential and promote it as one of the leading ecotourism
destinations in Pangasinan and the country by declaring it as a national ecotourism
zou. Duing su will ceriainly increase awareness and appreciation for ihe site aud
will foster both local and international interest and attention that may eventually
increase eco-tourism activities in the host municipalities and promote the
Downstream Agno River as a viable tourist destination.

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and recommended.

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ECEIVED *
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _ 2534

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE JUMEL ANTHONY I. ESPINO

AN ACT
DECLARING THE DOWNSTREAM AGNO RIVER AS AN ECO-TOURISM
ZONE, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Downstream Agno River Eco-
Tourism Act.”

SECTION 2. State Policy —It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote sustainable tourism industry. Towards this end, the state shall rationalize
aii efforts pertaining to environmental protection and make the tourism industry a
major source of livelihood and an avenue for the generation of employment.
Henceforth, aggressive measures seeking to restore the country’s share in the global
tourism market shall be consistent with the preservation of the existing ecosystem
and natural environment.

SECTION 3. Declaration of Policy — Pursuant to the declared policy of the State,
the downstream Agno River located in the Municipalities of Urbiztondo,
Mangatarem, Aguilar, Bugallon and Lingayen, in the Province of Pangasinan is
hereby declared as an eco-tourism zone.

SECTION 4. Eco-Tourism Master Plan — The Provincial Government of
Pangasinan, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture, the Department
of Tourism and the Municipal Governments of Urbiztondo, Mangatarem, Aguilar,
Bugallon and Lingayen shall jointly prepare an Eco-Tourism Master Plan for the



Downstream Agno Kiver and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to be
plemented by the local government in coordination with concerned government

agencies.

SECTION 5. Appropriations ~ The Department of Tourism shall include in the
Department's programs the amount necessary for the iapleimeutatiod of thas Aci, the

funding of which shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

cen nasi: o Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,

SECTION 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall be effective fifteen (15] days following the
iT ii ication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general

circulation,

Approved