TWENTIETH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

HOUSE BILL NO. 233 7

Introduced by Honorable Celso G. Regencia

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Dodiongan Falls, located in Barangay Bonbonon,
lligan City, Lanao del Norte, as a protected tourist and eco-tourism site.

Known as Iligan’s “Angel-Winged Falls,” Dodiongan is a 20-meter high
cascade nestled 14 kilometers from the city proper. Once a pristine source of
clean water for nearby residents, Dodiongan has long served not only as a
natural attraction, but also as a lifeline for surrounding communities.

However, its condition is now rapidly deteriorating. The unchecked
operations of the Iligan City Material Recovery Facility (CMRF), along with
persistent deforestation in the area, have led to the alarming degradation of the
falls and its watershed. Residents who once relied on Dodiongan for drinking
water can no longer do so, as its quality has visibly and dangerously declined.

Immediate legislative intervention is essential to prevent irreversible
loss. Declaring Dodiongan Falls as a protected eco-tourism site will enable
stronger regulation, conservation, and rehabilitation efforts. It will help
preserve the area’s biodiversity, prevent further ecological harm, and enable
the sustainable development of local tourism. With proper guidance from
concerned agencies, this initiative can also generate livelihood opportunities
and contribute to the local economy —without compromising environmental
integrity.


In light of the urgent threats facing Dodiongan Falls, approval of this

bill is earnestly and respectfully recommended.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 293 7

Introduced by Honorable Celso G. Regencia

AN ACT
DECLARING DODIONGAN FALLS IN BARANGAY BONBONON, ILIGAN CITY,
AS AN ECO-TOURISM PROTECTED SITE, PROVIDING FOR ITS
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Dodiongan Falls Eco-
Tourism Protected Site Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to promote sustainable tourism that is culturally sensitive,
environmentally sound, and community-oriented.

Inline with this, the State shall pursue the development and conservation
of Dodiongan Falls in Barangay Bonbonon, Iligan City, as an eco-tourism
protected site to help spur local development while ensuring the preservation
of its natural and cultural integrity.

SECTION 3. Declaration as an Eco-Tourism Protected Site. — Dodiongan
Falls, located in Barangay Bonbonon, Iligan City, is hereby declared an eco-
tourism protected site. As such, its development shall be guided by principles of
ecological sustainability, cultural preservation, and inclusive local
participation.


SECTION 4. Development Plan. - Within three (3) months from the
effectivity of this Act, the City Government of Iligan shall take the lead in
formulating a tourism development plan for Dodiongan Falls, in coordination
with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines (NHCP), and other concerned agencies.

The development plan shall cover the construction, installation, and
maintenance of appropriate facilities and infrastructure that will enhance eco-
tourism, promote public safety, and ensure the preservation of the site's
environmental and cultural integrity.

SECTION 5. Community Participation. - The City Government of Iligan, in
coordination with concerned national agencies, shall ensure the active
participation of local communities in the planning, development, management,
and promotion of Dodiongan Falls as an eco-tourism protected site.

If indigenous peoples are present in the area, their rights shall be
respected and their participation shall be ensured in accordance with the
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) and applicable laws.

Priority shall likewise be given to local residents in employment,
livelihood opportunities, and capacity-building programs related to site
operations, guided tours, cultural preservation, and environmental
stewardship.

SECTION 6. Environmental Protection. - All development and tourism-
related activities within the Dodiongan Falls eco-tourism protected site shall be
conducted in accordance with existing environmental laws, rules, and
regulations.

The DENR, in coordination with the City Government of Iligan, shall
ensure that appropriate environmental impact assessments are undertaken
and that ecological sustainability is maintained at all stages of development and
operation.

SECTION 7. Prohibited Acts. - To protect the ecological, cultural, and
tourism value of Dodiongan Falls and its surrounding areas, the following acts
shall be strictly prohibited within the eco-tourism protected site:

1. Littering, dumping, or disposal of any form of waste that may harm the
environment or degrade the natural beauty of the area;


2. Unauthorized construction, alteration, or expansion of structures,
including roads, buildings, or commercial establishments, without
prior approval from the City Government of Iligan and relevant
agencies;

3. Cutting, damaging, or destroying trees and other vegetation, or
gathering flora and fauna, whether for personal, commercial, or
recreational purposes, without proper permits;

4. Hunting, trapping, or harming wildlife, including disturbing natural
habitats;

5. Mining, quarrying, or any form of resource extraction within or near
the protected area;

6. Vandalism or defacement of natural formations, signage, cultural
markers, or public facilities within the site;

7. Conducting tourism or commercial activities without proper
accreditation or clearance from the City Government and concerned
agencies;

8. Any other activity that may compromise the ecological integrity, safety,
or cultural significance of the area, as determined by the City
Government or relevant authorities.

SECTION 8. Penalties. -- Any person found violating the provisions of this
Act shall be penalized in accordance with applicable laws, including but not
limited to the following:

1. Republic Act (RA) No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management
Act of 2000,

2. RA No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System
(NIPAS) Act of 1992, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038 or the
Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018,

3. RA No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection
Act,


4, RA No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, and

5. Relevant local ordinances and environmental regulations.

Civil, criminal, and administrative sanctions shall be imposed, as
provided under these laws, without prejudice to the filing of separate actions
for damages, injunctions, or other remedies under existing laws.

SECTION 9. Funding. - The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the available funds of the
City Government of Iligan and concerned national government agencies.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued development,
management, and conservation of Dodiongan Falls shall be included in the
annual budgets of the implementing agencies, subject to the usual budgetary
processes.

SECTION 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall not be affected and
shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,