RE
ad mas
REC EJVED

Republic of the Philippines

-Douse of Representatives
Queson Cy, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

g
HOUSE BILL NO. 181

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE AURELIO "DONG" D. GONZALES, JR.

AN ACT DECLARING MT. ARAYAT, BORDERING THE MUNICIPALITIES OF ARAYAT AND
MAGALANG, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA AS A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR
ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Located at the heart of Kapampangan agricultural lands far and wide, the majestic Mt.
Arayat, dominates the picturesque scenery with its towering height of 1,030 meters above sea
level. The mountain is bordering two municipalities: the southern half lies within the municipality
of Arayat, Pampanga, while the north half lies within Magalang

Considered as an inactive volcano, Mt. Arayat's crater has several peaks, thus suitable
for mountain hiking and nature trekking. The mountain is also considered as one of the premier
hiking destinations in the country because of its dominating presence in Central Luzon, making
the view from its peaks truly breathtaking

Aside from its natural magnificence, Mt. Arayat is also a cradle of the rich Kapampangan
folklore. This mountain is revered by locals as sacred and mystical for it is the legendary home of
Apu Sinukuan, the rival of Namalyari of Mt. Pinatubo.

Indeed, the delicate interplay with respect to the conservation of its natural resources
preservation of its cultural significance, and promotion of tourism and development calls for
national attention. While tourism in the area is already being encouraged by the local government,
it is undeniable that with the help from the national government, the tourism potential of the area
with further be harnessed. This can be done without threatening the sanctity the mountain's
natural state and without disregarding the Kapampangan cultural beliefs and folklore

This bill, therefore, aims to declare Mt. Arayat in the Municipalities of Arayat and
Magalang, Pampanga, as a tourist destination, mandating the Department of Tourism, in
coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways, and in in consultation with the
concerned local governments units, to come up with a comprehensive development plan for the
improvement of Mt. Arayat, all areas attached to it, and all roads leading to and from it.

In view of the policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically
sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and ethically and
socially equitable for local communities, as declared in Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known
as “The Tourism Act of 2009", the approval of this bill is darnestly recommended.

REP. IG” D. GONZALES, JR.

3” District, Pampanga



CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

181

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. AURELIO "DONG" D. GONZALES, JR.

AN ACT DECLARING MT. ARAYAT, BORDERING THE MUNICIPALITIES OF ARAYAT AND.
MAGALANG, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA AS A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR
ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Mount Arayat, located along the borders of the municipalities of Arayat and
Magalang, Province of Pampanga is hereby declared a tourist destination, As such, its
development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and
regulations governing the development of tourist destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT in coordination with the
Department of Public Works and Highways, the provincial government of Pampanga, and the
municipal governments of Arayat and Magalang, shall prepare a tourism development plan
involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
infrastructure that shail promote ecotourism in the area and ensure its accessibility and the
security of tourists: Provided, That said development plan shall preserve and conserve the natural
beauty and resources of the area,

SEC. 3. The DOT, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other
concerned agencies shall take immediate steps to implement the tourism development pian that
will cater to the natural characteristics of Mount Arayat and shall incorporate the same in its overall
development plans and programs for national implementation.

SEC. 4. 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
from internally generated funds of the DOT.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days form the effectivity of this Act, the Tourism Infrastructure and
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Provincial Governor of Pampanga, and the Municipal
Mayors of Arayat and Magalang, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and
regulations (IRR) for the proper and effective enforcement, administration and implementation of
this Act. For this purpose, they shail have the power and authority to create a Secretariat and
Technical Working Group (TWG) to assist them in the drafting of the IRR: Provided, That the
provincial government of Pampanga shall defray the necessary expenses of the Secretariat and
the TWG for the performance of its official functions and activities.

SEC. 6. If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is declared to be unconstitutional
or invalid, other sections or provisions thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue in full
force and effect.

SEC. 7. All laws, decrees, executive orders and proclamations, or parts thereof inconsistent with
this Act are deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in
a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,