EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
3:30 p.m.
SENATE
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT DECLARING NARURON FALLS LOCATED IN BARANGAY OYAO, 
MUNICIPALITY OF DUPAX DEL NORTE, PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA, 
AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 16 of 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."
The Naruron Falls in Barangay Oyao, Municipality of Dupax del Norte is a seven 
layer falls with the height of 2,634ft. The beauty of the falls and the benefits it provides 
to the community, such as irrigation and as the source of water energy are indications 
to initiate the move towards its protection and conservation through the promotion of 
a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally 
sensitive, economically viable and equitable for the communities. Due to the 
Municipality of Dupax del Norte's geographic location and abundance of natural 
resources, one of the municipality's key thrusts and priority initiatives is to improve the 
quality of life of its residents through tourism.
This bill therefore seeks to declare the Naruron Falls located in Barangay Oyao, 
Municipality of Dupax Del Norte, Province of Nueva Vizcaya, 
an ecotourism site. This will also boost employment and financial opportunities, 
conserve and preserve natural resources while also encouraging care of natural and 
cultural resources.
In view of the foregoing, the expeditious passage of this bill is earnestiy sought.
IMEE R. MARCOS


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2337
202im
tJmE
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT DECLARING NARURON FALLS LOCATED IN BARANGAY OYAO, 
MUNICIPALITY OF DUPAX DEL NORTE, PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA, 
AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in Congress 
assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Naruron Falls
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Ecotourism Site Act."
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall promote the ideals of developing
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the national patrimony and protecting the right of the citizenry to a balanced and
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healthful ecology.
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The State recognizes that ecotourism parks managed by stakeholders from local
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communities translate into real terms the sustainable development paradigm of
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simultaneously pursuing economic growth and of conserving the natural environment.
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This Act likewise upholds the national policy that declares ecotourism as an
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indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national interest
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and importance.
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SEC. 3. Naruron Falls Ecotourism Site. -Naruron Falls located in Barangay Oyao,
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Municipality of Dupax del Norte, Province of Nueva Vizcaya, is hereby declared an
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ecotourism site.
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SEC. 4. Objectives. - This Act seeks to provide economic opportunities to the
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surrounding communities of Naruron Falls and thus increase sources of family income
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thereat. By developing the Naruron Falls environs as an ecotourism site, it is the aim
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of this Act to encourage more visitors to indulge in mountain climbing, hiking, trekking
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and other similar activities while appreciating the natural beauty of the site. The
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resulting increase in tourist arrivals shall help support the local economy by the
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generation of various goods and services and the expansion of the local tax base.
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Finally, this Act also aims to provide social and environmental benefits, such as:
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a) Bringing different people together and providing opportunities for
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cultural exchange;


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b) Showcasing local crafts produced by women, out-of-school youth,
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persons with disabilities and others, and thus provides income
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opportunities to them;
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c) Creating a medium for educational research and studies;
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d) Promoting physical outdoor activities; and
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e) Generating income from taxes and fees which can be ploughed back to
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environmental protection, plans and projects.
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SEC. 5. Ecotourism Development Plan. - Within six (6) months after the approval
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of this Act, the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Environment and
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Natural Resources (DENR), and the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, shall
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prepare an ecotourism development plan, containing among others, the construction,
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installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall
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enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the
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preservation of the natural beauty of the area.
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SEC. 6. Implementing Agencies. - The DOT, the DENR and the provincial
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government of Nueva Vizcaya shall take immediate steps to implement the appropriate
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ecotourism development plan for the Naruron Falls, and shall incorporate the same in
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the National Tourism Development Plan.
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SEC. 7. Naruron Falls Ecotourism Management Board. - The Naruron Falls
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Ecotourism Management Board, hereinafter referred to as the Board, is hereby
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created. It shall be composed of the following:
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a) Municipal Mayor of Dupax Del Norte, as Chairperson;
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b) Municipal Vice-Mayor of Dupax Del Norte, as Vice-Chairperson;
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c) A member of the Sangguniang Bayan, to be appointed by the Municipal
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Mayor of Dupax Del Norte, as Secretary;
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d) Municipal Tourism Officer, the Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on
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Environment, the Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on Budget and
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Finance and the Municipal Planning Development Officer, as members.
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Additionally, three (3) stakeholders from the local community to be appointed by
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the Municipal Mayor, upon the recommendation of the Sangguniang Barangay of
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Oyao, shall also serve as members of the Board for a term of three (3) years.
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The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya shall provide a Secretariat for the
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Board including the funding necessary to cover the expenses for the performance of
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its official functions and activities.
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The Board shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
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implementation of this Act by the concerned local government units, and shall, as the
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need arises, amend, modify or revise such rules and regulations to meet the needs of
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changing times.


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SEC. 8. 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 shall augment such allocation 
with internally generated funds of the DOT.
SEC. 9. Impiementing Ruiesand Reguiations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the DENR, shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.
SEC. 10. Separabiiity Ciause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in 
full force and effect.
SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Officiai Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,