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Republic of the Philippines
Bouse of Representatives
Queson City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress

ra 8

Introduced by :

HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE LAARNI LAVIN ROQUE
Fourth District, Bukidnon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Sagumata Waterfalls located in Barangay
Lourdes, City of Valencia, Province of Bukidnon as a_ responsible,
community-based ecotourism zone with the goals of developing and
promoting the areas into a community-based ecological tourist destination,
generating investments, creating livelihood opportunities, and protecting the
natural resources within the area.

Sagumata Falls is an alluring gem that can be found in the hilly and
wooded area in Barangay Lourdes. Said falls features a plunging water
cascade that descends and spreads out into a wide pool where jumping and
swimming can be enjoyed. The surrounding area of the falls is developed
and maintained to provide visitors easier access to this natural water drop
and delight in other activities such as picture taking and picnic. The local
used to believe that the water flowing through the falls and river had healing
and health-giving powers. According to an old tale, the waters cured
someone who had illness with his eyes or “mata” in native dialect, hence,
“sagumata”.

In anticipation of the influx of local and foreign tourists, this bill, when
enacted into law, will help secure adequate national support for the local
government units (LGUs) to realize its vast potential as an eco-tourism zone
that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally

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sensitive, economically viable and ethically and socially equitable for the
local community.

Furthermore, the enactment of this bill into law will effectively fast-
track the construction and improvement of roads and bridges, and other
infrastructure projects necessary to make the area accessible and
convenient to all, especially the tourists.

This bill was previously filed by this representation in the 19 Congress
and was approved by the House of Representatives on Third Reading and
was transmitted to the Senate for its concurrence. However, due to lack of
material time, it was not passed into law.

Given the above premises, the urgent passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.

HON. LAARNI HAVIN ROQUE
4™ DISTI ‘T|]/BUKIDNON


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Republic of the Philippines
Douse of Representatives
Queson City, filetro flanila

Twentieth Congress

Howse ile. 2589

Introduced by:

HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE LAARNI LAVIN ROQUE
4™ DISTRICT, BUKIDNON

AN ACT
DECLARING SAGUMATA FALLS, LOCATED IN BARANGAY LOURDES,
CITY OF VALENCIA, PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON, AN ECOTOURISM
DESTINATION

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

SECTION 1. The Sagumata Falls located in Barangay Lourdes, City of
Valencia, Province of Bukidnon, is hereby declared an ecotourism
destination. 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 destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the local
government of the City of Valencia 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 be included in the
budget of the local government of the City of Valencia.

SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the local government of the City of Valencia in
the implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical
assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include the Sagumata
Falls in its national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 4, The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in
the annual budget of the local government of the City of Valencia. The DOT
may augment such allocation with internally-generated funds.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the local
government of the City of Valencia shall, in consultation with the DOT and
concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules and regulations to
implement this Act.

SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.