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

‘eventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

house Bit No4181

Introduced by Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil

This bill seeks to declare the Limahong Channel in Domalandan, Lingayen,
Province of Pangasinan as a tourist spot thus. the Department of Tourism shall give
priority for the development of the area along the Sitio Bantayan, Pangapisan Norte

The Limahong Channel is a historic site because it was where the Chinese Corsair
Limahong, who invaded the Northern Philippine Islands in 1574, sought refuge when he
was repulsed by the defenders of Parafiaque, then a royal encomienda. Pursued by the
Spanish colonizers, he dug a channel in Domalandan, Lingayen that served as his escape
way towards the China Sea. It is located along the Agno River at the mouth of Lingayen
Gulf

With the approval of this bill. the historic Limahong Channel will become a
tourism, historical and cultural heritage, and ecotourism site. The Department of Tourism
will give priority development of the area such as the construction of the Limahong
Tourist Center that will serve as a museum to display some artifacts. souvenirs, historical
items and other matters related to Limahong settlement and the concreting of the roads
going to the site

The Limahong Channel will serve as a beautiful place for a river cruise on board
ca of Limahong’s boat. The surrounding vicinity of the Agno River, having been
can be show cased

a repl
maintained as one of the best and cleanest river lines in the country
for its eco-tourism theme.

Declaring Limahong Channel as a tourist spot will entice tourists, local and
foreign, especially the Chinese, to visit the place. This in a way will generate
employment opportunities to the residents of the municipality and. the nearby
communities thus, improving their way of life

In view of the foreyoing, approval ofthis bill is eamestly sought,

TAOIL



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

Seventeenth Congre
First Regular Se

HOUSE BILL NO. 4131

Introduced by Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoi

AN AC
DECLARING THE LIMAHONG CHANNEL LOCATED = IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF LINGAYEN, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN AS A

TOURIST SPOT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.

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

SECTION 1. The Limahong

‘hannel in the Municipality of Lingayen, Province
of Pangasinan is hereby declared as a tourist spot. As such, priority development of the
Limahong Tourist Center shall be made by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall

be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist spot.

SEC. 2. The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, shall, within six (6)
months after the approval of this Act. prepare the development plan involving the
construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities which shall
enhance tourism in the area: Provided, that said development plan shall ensure the

preservation of the natural beauty and historical significance thereof,

SEC. 3. The DOF shall take immediate steps to implement the said development

plan and incorporate the same in the overall tourism development program of the

Department for the ensuing calendar year

4, ‘The Secretary of Tourism shall issue the necessary rules and regulations

fior the proper implementation of this Act


SEC. 5. For the initial implementation of this act, the amount of One Hundred
Fifty Million Pesos is hereby appropriated from the funds of the National Treasury not
otherwise appropriated. Thereafter sum as maybe needed for the continued

implementation, ope

tion and maintenance of the Limahong Channel shall be included

in the annual General Appropriation Act

SEC. 6. ‘This act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,