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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 888

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizeaya

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is a clear mandate of our fundamental law to protect and conserve our environment
not only for out benefit but most importantly, for the generations yet to come. Section 16,
Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that, “The State shall protect and advance the right
of the people two a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature.”

Further, Section 17, Chapter 2, Title 1, Book 1 of the Republic of 7160, otherwise
known as the Local Government code of 1991, “Empower every local government unit to
prepare, adopt, implement and monitor their local tourism development plans, enforce
standards for tourism enterprises and collect statistical data for tourism purposes.”

With the geographic location of the municipality of Dupax del Norte and its richness in
natural resources, one of the major thrust and priority programs of the municipality is to uplift
the quality of life of the people of the municipality through tourism. The Naruron Falls in
barangay Oyao, municipality of Dupax del Norte is a 7 layered falls with the height of 2,634ft.
Because of the beauty of this falls and the benefits it provides to the community such as
irrigation and source of water energy, we should therefore 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.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

rik “en Eke


Republic of the Whilippines
House of Representatives

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 888

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT DECLARING NARURON FALLS SITUATED IN BARANGAY OYAO,
MUNICIPALITY OF DUPAX DEL NORTE, PROVINCE OF NUEVA VIZCAYA AS
ECO TOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS THERFOR.

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 the “Naruron Falls Act”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy — This Act promotes eco tourism and adheres to the
following principles:

a) Enshrined in the highest lav of the land, is the mandate that the States shall promote
the ideals of conserving and developing our patrimony and declares as a policy the
right to a balanced and healthful ecology;

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The establishment of eco tourism parks managed by stakeholders from local
communities translates in real terms the sustainable development paradigm
enhancing environmental preservation and economic growth; and

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Consistent with national policy that declares eco tourism as an indispensable
element of the national economy and an industry of the national interest and
importance,

This project, when developed and managed appropriately could significantly offset the
socioeconomic fallout resulting from declined incomes in farming areas. The increased tourist
arrival, expansion of business, and increased job opportunities will contribute to the income
improvement of family, community and government.


Municipality affirms that eco tourism sites are means to spur investment, employment
and growth toward sustainable development.

SECTION 3. Objectives — the project seeks to provide numerous economic
benefits to the surrounding community members. Its operation aims to increase income
‘opportunities throughout the year thereby increasing the family income,

The project is likewise viewed to be a means to encourage more tourists to experience
mountaineering, hiking, trekking and other similar activities while appreciating the beauty of the
falls.

On the part of the municipality, the project intends support local economy through
various goods and services available to the tourists and by increasing its local tax bases through
utilization of the locally available fresh produce.

The project aims to provide not only economic benefits but also social and environmental
benefits including its resultant long-term and short-term effects, some of which are enumerated
below:
1. Bring different people together by providing opportunities for cultural exchange;
2. Support local crafts produced by women, out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities,
drug surrenders and others;
3. Create a vehicle for educational research and studies; and,
4. Help reduce public health risk against non-organic agricultural products and by
promoting physical outdoor activities.

SECTION 5. Naruron Falls Eco Tourism Site ~ This Act hereby declares
Naruron Falls in barangay Oyao, municipality of Dupax Del Norte, province of Nueva Vizcaya
as an Eco Tourism Site.

SECTION 6. Eco Tourism Master Plan - The Local Government of the
province of Nueva Vizcaya, the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR)
and the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall jointly prepare an Ecotourism Master Plan for
Naruron Falls Eco Tourism Site and to promulgate necessary rules and regulations to be
implemented by the local government in coordination with concerned government agencies.

SECTION 7. Naruron Falls Eco Tourism Management Board — There is
hereby created a Naruron Falls Eco Tourism Management Board which shall formulate strategies
and guidelines in the operation, maintenance, promotion and conservation of the park. The Board
shall be composed of the municipal Mayor as Chairperson, the municipal Vice Mayor as Vice
Chairperson, the Sangguniang Bayan as Secretary, the Municipal Tourism officer, the
Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on Environment, The Sangguniang Bayan Committee
KMDA 4


Chair on Budget and Finance, the Municipal Planning Development Officer. Three (3)
stakeholders from the local community to be appointed by the municipal Mayor, upon
recommendation by the Sanggunian Barangay of Oyao, shall serve as members of the
management board for a term of three (3) years.

SECTION 8. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act shall be included in the budget of concerned government agencies in the
General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

SECTION 9. Implementation ~ Within sixty (60) days after the implementation
of this Act, the DENR incoordination with DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulation to govern the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid
or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and
effect.

SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of
general circulation.

Approved,

KMDA