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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 3568 
Introduced by Representatives ALFEL M. BASCUG and EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
AN ACT 
DECLARING 
THE 
LAKE 
HIMBANG 
LOCATED 
IN 
THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF TALACOGON, PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL 
SUR AS AN ECOTOURISM SITE 
Explanatory Note 
This bill seeks to declare Lake Himbang in the Municipality of Talacogon, 
Province of Agusan del Sur as an ecotourism site 
Agusan del Sur is a must-see biodiversity hotspot and a promising paradise 
found in the northeastern part of Mindanao.  It is a land of hundreds of lakes and 
rivers which are fishing enclaves and a land of plains, rolling terrain and mountain 
ranges producing varied and abundant mineral deposits. Situated also in this 
paradise land is the famous Agusan Marsh which is known to be the largest 
marshland in the Philippines.  
Lake Himbang located in the Municipality of Talacogon is one of the 
never-forgotten and breath-taking sceneries in Agusan del Sur. It is just more than 
hour’s drive from the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway to Talacogon. The 
lake is an alternative destination to Agusan Marsh. The thrills of riding on a pump 
boat or a dug-out canoe while admiring the breath-taking lakeshore scenery and 
Manobo floating huts are some of the attractions offered by this hidden paradise. 
August 12, 2025
1:47 pm


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This hidden gem has been a tourist attraction to locals but has never been 
publicly exposed to other tourists in the Philippines and the world. With the lack 
of needed development and promotion, the tourism potential of the place has been 
curtailed. Thus, in order for this gem to be developed and become a fully grown 
tourism destination, it should be declared as an ecotourism site. The development 
of Lake Himbang into an ecotourism site will not just enhance its aesthetic value 
but will also boost local government income and create employment 
opportunities for the people of Agusan del Sur.  
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
    ALFEL M. BASCUG  
EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
 1ST District, Agusan del Sur 
2nd District, Agusan del Sur 


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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 3568 
Introduced by Representatives ALFEL M. BASCUG and EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
AN ACT 
DECLARING 
THE 
LAKE 
HIMBANG 
LOCATED 
IN 
THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF TALACOGON, PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL 
SUR AS AN ECOTOURISM SITE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1.  The Lake Himbang located in the Municipality of 
Talacogon, Province of Agusan del Sur, is hereby declared an ecotourism site. 
Pursuant thereto, its development shall be prioritized and supported by the 
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the 
development of ecotourism sites. 
SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the municipal 
government of Talacogon shall, in coordination with the DOT, Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources and concerned agencies of the government, 
prepare a tourism development plan that shall include the construction, 
installation and maintenance of such appropriate infrastructure and facilities to 
enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure 
the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: 
Provided, further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall 


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be included in the budget of the municipal government of Talacogon.  
 
 
SECTION 3.  The DOT shall assist the municipal government of 
Talacogon in the implementation of the tourism development plan by providing 
technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include the Lake 
Himbang in its national and regional promotion programs. 
 
SECTION 4.  The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be 
included in the annual budget of the municipal government of Talacogon. The 
DOT may augment such allocation with internally-generated funds. 
 
SECTION 5.  Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the 
municipal government of Talacogon shall, in consultation with the DOT and 
concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules and regulations to 
implement this Act. 
 
SECTION 6.  If any provision of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain 
in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 7. All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees and other 
issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed 
repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
 
 
Approved,