Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES {

Quezon Ci 0. SE }
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS. y

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _2192

INTRODUCED BY REP. MAXIMO B. DALOG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines boasts of its beautiful and various tourism destinations
ranging from heavenly beaches to majestic mountains, waterfalls, lakes,
caves and man-made attractions like the different rice terraces in the Northem
part of the country. These tourism destinations have in fact attracted 2.01
million visitors for the first five months of this year alone’.

However, despite the number of known tourist destinations, there are a
lot of tourism potentials in the country that have yet to be developed,
discovered and more importantly preserved. One of these lesser known
tourism potentials in the Philippines is the municipality of Barlig in Mountain
Province which is very much suited for eco-tourism. Barlig, Mountain
Province is home to the tenth highest mountain in the Philippines, Mount
Amuyao frequented by adventurous local mountaineers for its thick mossy
forest cover and abundance of flora and fauna. It is also where the famous
Philippine Eagle was sighted in the late 1990s. In addition, Barlig offers varied
tourist spots from cascading waterfalls, cool pristine lakes, hot springs,
wonderful rock formations, majestic mountain ranges, beautiful rice terraces,
burial caves, unique cultural patterns that is showcased during the three
festivals in the municipality and the most sought after cool temperature during
summer which give an unforgettable and distinctive experience to those who
both love nature and culture.

Considering the eco-tourism potentials of the Municipality of Barlig,
there is a need to preserve, develop and sustain it.

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

B. DALOG

‘Tourism Statistics. The First Five Months of 2013 Yielded 2.01 Million Visitors. Internet. Available
URL:http://www.tourism gov. ph/Pages/IndustryPerformance.aspx. July 24, 2013

QTAUG 2013



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2192

HOUSE BILL NO.

AN ACT DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BARLIG IN MOUNTAIN
PROVINCE AS A TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.

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 “An Act Declaring the
Municipality of Barlig in Mountain Province as a Tourism Development Area.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ \t is hereby declared the policy of
the State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable,
responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and
equitable local communities. In so doing, the State shall ensure the full
implementation of this Act, support the establishment of Tourism Enterprise
Zones (TEZ) and the mobilization of resources for the institutional
mechanisms herein established to attract and focus investment on specific
geographic areas within the TDA.

Sec. 3. Scope and Coverage. The Tourism Development Areas in
Barlig, Mountain Province hereby include, but not limited to, the following
barangays endowed with natural beauty, rivers, lakes, hot springs and
mountain resources, and historical and cultural significance:

The majestic Mount Amuyao and the natural mountain range of
Kadaclan in the Municipality of Barlig;

The Barlig Rice Terraces in the barangays of Gawana, Fiangtin,
Macalana and Latang;

The Kadaclan Rice Terraces in the barangays Lunas, Chupac, Kaleo
and Ogo-og;

The Lias Rice Terraces and Challos Falls in the barangays of Lias
Silangan and Lias Kanluran;


The Barangay of Lingoy in the Municipality of Barlig with the natural
beauty of the Topnew and Lingoy Hot Springs and the enchanting view of
Lake Tufob;

The Barangay of Latang with the relaxing feel of the Mumang Hot
Spring, the beautiful pristine waters of Mornang and Allob Falls, the
mysterious enchanting beauty of Siblaw Taraw Lake and the Wonderful Rock;

The Barangay of Lunas in the Municipality of Barlig with the huge
Lettang Burial Caves and the Lettang, Moyopoyop and Patyayan Falls;

The beautiful cascades of cool pristine waters of Or-or Falls in the
Barangay of Kaleo, Amfitayok in the Barangay of Ogo-og and the Tokchag
Falls in the Barangay of Gawana;

The unique Lusong Fukian Kan Wikian Rock Formation in the Barangay
of Fiangtin; and

The Pangngor Chin Stone and Tomallan Waterfalls in the Barangay of
Macalana.

As such, it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing
tourism.

Sec. 4. Tourism Development Plan of Barlig. - The Tourism
Development Plan of the Municipality of Barlig shall be incorporated in the
DOT's overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) pursuant to
Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the “National Tourism Act of
2009” and be jointly implemented with the local government and the Provincial
Tourism Council of Kalinga taking into consideration Republic Act No. 7586,
otherwise known as the “National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of
1992” and its implementing rules and regulations

The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA) and other concerned agencies of the government, shall
delineate well defined geographic areas within the TDA and coordinate the
integrated development of these areas for the optimum use of natural assets
and attractions, as well as existing facilities.

Sec. 5. Barlig Tourism Development Trust Fund. — There is
hereby established a trust fund under this Act to be known as the Barlig
Tourism Development Trust Fund for purposes of financing projects which
shall enhance tourism in the Municipality of Barlig. The Trust Fund shall be
administered by a Trust Fund Administrator under the Municipal Tourism
Council of Barlig. Income shall be derived from fees from visitors/tourists,
other resources from the province, proceeds from the registration and lease of


multiple-use areas, including tourism concessions, fees, proceeds and
contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting the municipality.

The Barlig Tourism Development Trust Fund may be augmented by grants
and donations, endowment from various sources, domestic or foreign entities
and individuals, for purposes related to their functions; Provided, That
disbursements therefrom shall be in accordance with existing accounting and
auditing rules and regulations: Provided, further, That the Fund shall not be
used to cover personal services and expenditures.

Sec. 6. Appropriations. — The Secretary of the DOT shall include
in the Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of
which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and/or
internally generated funds of the DOT.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. — Any provision of this Act or part
hereof that may be declared unconstitutional shall not affect the effectivity of
the other provisions.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders,
presidential decrees, rules and regulations and other issuances contrary to or
inconsistent with this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall effect fifteen(15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two national newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,