Republic of the Philippines
House Or REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5037

Introduced by Honorable Herminia B. Roman

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Pilis Falls as an eco-tourism site in the
Municipality of Samal, Province of Bataan.

Pilis Falls is located in Barangay Palili, Samal, Bataan. Its water pours
down a high slanting cliff north-east of Mt. Nagpali. The falls has an
approximate height of 120 feet. The unique natural formation of landslides and
the thorough water drops make Pilis Falls an exceptional waterfall. The
vegetation of the immediate surroundings is relatively intact forest characterized
by multi-strata dipterocarp species.

Pilis Falls could easily become an international tourist haven. It offers
various attractions such as beautiful mountains, a wide variety of flora and fauna
wherein mountaineers and tourists can enjoy several common eco-tourism
related activities such as trekking, nature viewing, bird watching, swimming,
picnic, nature photography and camping.

Thus, the developments of the Pilis Falls into an eco-tourism site will not
only enhance its aesthetic value but will also bring economic benefits for the
people of Bataan and the whole country as well.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is eamestly recommended.

Nerviiusa sls risa,

HERMINIA B. ROMAN

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SUANw

Republic of the Philippines
House Or RepRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo.__ 5037

Introduced by Honorable Herminia B. Roman

AN ACT
DECLARING PILIS FALLS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAMAL,
PROVINCE OF BATAAN AS AN ECO-TOURISM SITE AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as “Pilis Falls
Eco-tourism Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — \t is hereby declared the policy of
the State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable,
responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and
equitable for local communities.

Towards this end, the Pilis Falls in Samal, Bataan shall be accorded

priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as an eco-

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tourism site and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of tourist spots.

SEC. 3. Pilis Falls as an Eco-Tourism Site. — The Pilis Falls in
Barangay Palili, Samal, Bataan is hereby declared as an eco-tourism site.
The Tourism Development Plan of the Municipality of Samal shall be
incorporated in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) of
the DOT pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The
Tourism Act of 2009” and shall be jointly implemented with the local
government, the local Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the
Bataan National Park (BNP) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The DOT, in coordination with the PAMB, BNP, TIEZA and other
agencies of the government, shall delineate well defined geographic areas
within the eco-tourism site in Barangay Palili, Samal, Bataan and coordinate
the integrated development of this area for the optimum use of natural assets
and attractions, as well as existing infrastructure and facilities: Provided,
That the development shall ensure the preservation of the scenery and the
historic significance of the identified tourist attraction.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of
the DOT, in consultation with the stakeholders PAMB and BNP shall

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promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. — The Secretary of Tourism shall
immediately include in the program of the DOT 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.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential
decrees, rules and regulations and other issuances contrary to or inconsistent
with this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

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

Approved,