PECEY
auc VER
Republic of the Philippines OaTEs
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2097

Introduced by Congressman JUMEL ANTHONY I. ESPINO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Limahong Channel in Domalandan. Lingayen,
Province of Pangasinan as a tourist spot. It is proposed that the Department of Tourism
shall give priority for the development of the area along Sitio Bantayan, Pangapisan
North

The Limahong Channel is a historic site because it was where the Chinese Pirate
and Warlord, Limahong, who invaded the Norther Philippine Islands in 1574, sought
refuge when he was repulsed by the Spaniards. Pursued by the Spanish colonizers, he dug a
channel in Domalandan, Lingayen that served as his escape route towards the China Sea. It
is located along the Agno River at the mouth of Lingayen Gulf,

With the approval of this bill. the historic Limahong Channel will become a
tourism, historical, cultural, heritage, and eco-tourism site. The Department of Tourism
will give priority deveiopment of the area such as the construction of the Limahong
Channel Tourist Center that will serve as a museum to display some artifacts, souvenirs,
historical items and other matters related to Limahong settlement the concreting Of the
roads going to the Site

The ig Channel will serve as a beautiful place for a river cruise on board a
replica of Limahong's boat. The surrounding vicinity of the Agno River having been
maintained as one of the best and cleanest river lines in the country can be showeased for
its eco-tourism theme.

Dee Limahong Channel! as a tourist spot will entice tourists, local and
foreign, especially the Chinese, to visit the place. This in a way will generate employment



opportunities to the residents of the municipality and the nearby communities thus,
improving their way of life.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

ESPI



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

2097
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Congressman JUMEL ANTHONY 1, ESPINO.

AN ACT
DECLARING THE LIMAHONG CHANNEL LOCATED IN. THE
MUNICIPALITY OF LINGAYEN, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN AS A
TOURIST SPOT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION |. - The Limahong Channel in the Municipality or Lingayen, Province
of Pangasinan is hereby declared as a tourist spot. As such, priority development of the
Limahong Tourist Center shall be made by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall
to the

be subj

the development of tourist spot.

SECTION 2.- The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and
Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, shall, within
six (6) months afier the approval of this Act prepare the development pian involving the

construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities which shall


enhance tourism in the area: Provided, that said development plan shall ensure the

preservation of the natural beauty and historical significance thereof.

SECTION 3.- The DOT shall take immediate Steps to implement the said
development plan and incorporate the same in the overall tourism development program

of the Department for the ensuing calendar year.

SECTION 4.- The Secretary of Tourism shall issue the necessary rules and

regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

ECTION 5.- For the initial implementation of this act, the amount of One
Hundred Fifty Million Pesos is hereby appropriated from the funds of the National
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, Thereafter sum as maybe needed for the continued
implementation, operation and maintenance of the Limahong Channel shall be included in

the annual General Appropriation Act

SECTION 6, -This act shall take effect upon its approval,

Approved,