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Republic of the Philippines wate 6 JUL 2016
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City .
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS REGISTRATION uUNT .
First Regular Session | BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE

HOUSE BILL NO. 1903

Introduced by: Representative JOHNNY T. PIMENTEL

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur has become a key destination
for local and foreign tourists seeking to witness the beauty of the blue lagoon. It
is home to various species of marine life.

Nevertheless, its fame is not without a price. The influx of visitors also threatens
the ecological balance and biodiversity of the river to the detriment of its natural
life forms. It is crucial that the Enchanted River is declared a natural part subject
to careful management and supervision to protect its biodiversity and ensure the
preservation of its enduring beauty for the benefit of the future generations.

This Bill seeks to declare the Enchanted River as a Protected Area under the
category of Natural Park.

The approval of this Bill is earnestly’sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

x4
HOUSE BILL NO. 1893

Introduced by: Representative JOHNNY T. PIMENTEL

AN ACT
DECLARING THE ENCHANTED RIVER LOCATED IN BARANGAY TALISAY,
MUNICIPALITY OF HINATUAN, PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL SUR AS A
PROTECTED AREA UNDER THE CATEGORY OF NATURAL PARK

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

SECTION 1. Enchanted River as a Natural Park - The Enchanter River in
Barangay Talisay, Municipality of Hinatuan, Province of Surigao del Sur is
hereby declared as a protected area under the category of a natural park.

SECTION 2. Supervision and Administration - The Municipal Government of
Hinatuan, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Provincial Government
of Surigao del Sur, shall hold supervision and administration over the Enchanted
River National Park.

SECTION 3. Creation of a Management Committee - A Management
Committee shall be created for this purpose to formulate, develop and implement
policies for the development of the Enchanted River National Park. Provided, that
expenses of the Management Committee shall be borne by the Local Government
Unit concerned

The Committee shall be composed of:


* Municipal Mayor - Chairman

* A Representative of the Sangguniang Panlungsod - Member

* ARepresentative of the DENR : Member

+ A Representative of the DoT - Member

+ A Representative from reputable and duly-registered non-government
organizations Member

+ A Representative from people’s organization —- Member

SECTION 4. Priority in Budget Allocation. The National Government shall
appropriate such amount, as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of this
Act.

SECTION 5. Budget Required. The Department of Environment and Natural
Resources and the Department of Tourism shall promulgate a specific
programmed budget needed to cover the expenses for the implementation of this
Act.

SECTION 6. Inclusion in the Appropriations Act. - The amount necessary to
implement the provisions of this Act shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act for the year following the approval of this Act.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of the Act is hereby repealed,
modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,