EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2256
FLED
DATE
TtME¥
Sttt*
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT DECLARING KAPANGYAN FALLS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
BATARAZA, PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AN ECOTOURISM SITE, PROVIDING
FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, "The State 
shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology 
in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."
The Kapangyan Falls located in the Muncipality of Bataraza, Province of Palawan 
is exquisitely designed by nature that one could not find the adequate words to express 
its enchanting beauty. There are enticing pools at the base of the falls, and it is a 2- 
hour trek from the highway of Barangay Malihud, Bataraza, about 7 kilometers from 
town proper. According to ancestral folklore, a beautiful maiden named Pangyan, 
daughter of a renowned Panglima, the ruler of indigenous peoples groups of the area, 
frequented the place and took her bath in the crystal clear pools at the base of the 
falls, attended by a retinue of maidens-in-waiting. When she died, the place was 
named in her honor, and until today the place is still known as Kapangyan and believed 
to be enchanted. The area around the falls is slippery which is caused by showers of 
water, making the soil soft and mushy. Hence, there is really a need to develop the 
area.
The bill therefor seeks to declare Kapangyan Falls in the Municipality of Bataraza, 
Province of Palawan, as a tourist destination. With Kapangyan Falls being declared as 
a tourist destination and being covered by programs and projects of the Department 
of Tourism, this wonderful gift of nature will surely improve and be a potential source 
of Income for its local government and the people residing within the area.
In view of the foregoing, the expeditious passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
‘ /l.
IMEE R. MARCOS


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2256
FILED
TIME¥
BTCtT
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT DECLARING KAPANGYAN FALLS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
BATARAZA, PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AN ECOTOURISM SITE, PROVIDING 
FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. The Kapangyan Falls in the Municipality of Bataraza, Province of
2 
Palawan is hereby declared an ecotourism site. As such, its development shall be
3 
prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations
4 
governing the development of ecotourism sites.
5 
SEC. 2. Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, the DOT, in
6 
coordination with the municipal government of Bataraza and concerned agencies of
7 
the government, shall prepare a tourism development plan containing, among others,
8 
the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
9 
infrastructure that shall encourage tourism in the area: Provided, That said
10 
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty
11 
and resources of the area.
12 
SEC. 3. The DOT shall take Immediate steps to implement the development plan
13 
in a manner that will protect and enhance the natural characteristics of Kapangyan
14 
Falls, and shall incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the
15 
ensuing calendar year. It shall also include Kapangyan Falls in all its national, regional
16 
and local promotion programs.
17 
SEC. 4. The Secretary of the DOT shall Include in the Department's program the
18 
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be Included in the annual
19 
General Appropriations Act and from internally generated funds of the DOT.
20 
SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
21 
the DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
22 
implementation of this Act.


1 
SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders or parts
2 
thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended accordingly.
3 
SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
4 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,