Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
 
In line with the vision to enliven the tourism scene in the province, the Provincial 
Government of Samar initiated a movement in 2015 called the Spark Samar, which 
ultimately aims to promote and introduce the image of Samar Province as a potential 
tourist destination in the country. With the continued and unified support of 
Samarnons, this initiative transformed into a much bigger cause called the Spark 
Samar Development Agenda (SSDA) 
 
Relevantly, several tourism circuits in the First District of Samar, along with the 
individual tourism sites located therein, were identified as potential tourist 
destinations that can generate great economic activity and provide livelihood to 
surrounding communities. One of these destinations is the Angel Falls located in 
Brgy. Caglanipao Sur, Calbayog City. The Angel Falls offers an ethereal view of 
waterfalls cascading into a basin of clear blue water. This destination offers an 
opportunity for various leisure activities for both locals and tourists.  
The proposed establishment of the Angel Falls as an ecotourism site will greatly 
aid in the development of its potential as a tourist destination in the Province of 
Samar. More so, the establishment of the Angel Falls as an ecotourism site will surely 
boost the realization of Provincial Government of Samar’s visions under the Spark 
Samar Development Agenda.  
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
July 8, 2025
6:05 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT DECLARING ANGEL FALLS LOCATED IN BRGY. CAGLANIPAO SUR, CITY 
OF CALBAYOG, PROVINCE OF SAMAR AS AN ECO-TOURISM DESTINATION 
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 “Angel Falls Ecotourism Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It 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. To this end, 
the State shall endeavor to provide the proper mechanisms and infrastructures for 
sustainable tourism development. It shall promote and develop certain areas and sites 
identified as tourist destinations or attractions or having potential for tourism to drive and 
propel inclusive growth throughout the country.  
SECTION 3. The Angel Falls Ecotourism Site. The Angel Falls located in Barangay 
Caglanipao Sur, in the City of Calbayog, Province of Samar is hereby established as an 
ecotourism site. Its development shall be incorporated in the Department of Tourism’s 
(DOT) National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) successor plan for 2023 – 2028 and 
be jointly implemented with City of Calbayog and Provincial Tourism Office of the 
Province of Samar. The construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities in the 
area shall be a shared responsibility of the DOT and the local government unit with 
emphasis on sustainable development and resource management. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. - The DOT, DENR, DPWH, and LGU shall include in its 
Annual Investment Program (AIP) the implementation of this Act, the funding of which 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Samar Tourism Council, after 
due consultation with the DOT, DENR, DPWH, LGUs, and other stakeholders, shall 
promulgate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act within sixty 
(60) days after its effectivity. Provided, That the law shall take effect after sixty (60) days
with or without the IRR.
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SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect.  
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and 
issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be deemed amended accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,