Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2649

Introduced by Representative Fidel Nograles

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The state is very cognizant of its policy to promote a tourism industry that is
sustainable, cultural, ecological, accountable, economically feasible, ethically
and socially equitable to all its inhabiting populace.

In pursuant to Republic Act 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), it is certain that these
marvelous gifts of nature shall realize such improvement and be an added source
of income for its local government and all its residents.

In this regard, the Wawa Dam has its historical significance and constructed
over the Marikina River in 1909 as the only source of water supply for the people
of the nearby areas. Though, it has lost its very importance, Wawa Dam remains
to be a favorite destination of nature lovers, mountain hikers and bikers.

Developing and enhancing the beauty of this natural resource and abandoned
reservoir, will surely generate investment and foreign exchange in the area, while
providing employment opportunities for the local government and residents
within the area.


This House Bill seeks to declare WAWA dam in the municipality of Rodriguez,

province of Rizal as a tourist destination.

Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

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JUAN'FIDEL Ni


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2640

Introduced by Representative Fidel Nograles

AN ACT

DECLARING WAWA DAM IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RODRIGUEZ,
PROVINCE OF RIZAL AS A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING
FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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
“Development of Wawa Dam Act.”

SECTION 2. The Wawa dam is hereby declared a tourist destination.

‘As such, it shall be accorded with the priority development by the
Department of Tourism (DOT), and shall be subject to the rules and regulations
governing the prevailing development programs of a deserving tourist
destination. The DOT shall prioritize the establishment of a tourist center to be
known as the Wawa Dam Tourist Center.

SECTION 3. The DOT, in accordance with the Department of Public Works
and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department


of the Internal and Local Government, and other concerned government agencies
and institutions of the state, together with the Local Government Units (LGUs)
and civil society organizations, shall within one (1) year from the approval of this
act, shall formulate a comprehensive development plan involving the
construction, installation and maintenance of such applicable facilities and
infrastructure that shall enhance, develop and promote the tourism sector in the
area, and improve accessibility and ensure the security of tourists. Provided,
that the development plan shall therefor ensure the preservation and
conservation of the natural beauty, historical significance and resources of the

area.

SECTION 4. The DOT, in coordination with all other agencies and
institutions concerned, shall therefor take immediate actions in implementing
the development plan that will fit the natural features of Wawa dam, and shall
integrate the same in its overall development programs.

SECTION 5. It shall also be a declared responsibility of the DOT to foster
WAWA dam as a tourist destination in all its local, regional and national

promotion plans and programs.

SECTION 6. APPROPRIATION - The Secretary of Tourism shall include
in the Department’s program the implementation of this Act, and the amount
necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act (GAA) and from internally generated funds of the DOT of the
year following its enactment into a law and thereafter.

SECTION 7. TRANSITORY PROVISION - Existing agencies, industries,
businesses and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given
six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other
period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act.

SECTION 8. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. - The DOT
shall be charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act shall, within sixty


(60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the necessary rules and
regulations for its effective implementation.

SECTION 9. REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. - If, for any reason, any section
or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or
provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 11. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. - This Act shall take effect after
fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier.

Approved,