HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
-RECEIVED
pare: 30 JUN 2016

Time: /0 16
Republic of the Philippines erent

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES INDEX SERVICE
Quezon City, Metro Manila BALS AND

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bit No. 614

Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Pilis Falls as an eco-tourism site in the Municipality of
Samal, Province of Bataan.

Pilis Falls is locatedin Barangay Palili, Samal, Bataan. Its water pours down a
high slanting cliff north-east of Mt. Nagpali. The falls has an approximate
height of 120 feet. The unique natural formation of landslides and the thorough
water drops make Pilis Falls an exceptional waterfall. The vegetation of the
immediate surroundings is relatively intact forest characterized by multi-strata
dipterocarp species.

Pilis Falls could easily become an international tourist haven. It offers various
attractions such as beautiful mountains, a wide variety of flora and fauna
wherein mountaineers and tourists can enjoy several common eco-tourism
related activities such as trekking, nature viewing, bird watching, swimming,
picnic, nature photography and camping.

Thus, the developments of the Pilis Falls into an eco-tourism site will not only
enhance its aesthetic value but will also bring economic benefits for the people
of Bataan and the whole country as well.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly recommended

eB Bon
GERALDINE B. ROMAN


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative GERALDINE B. ROMAN

AN ACT
DECLARING PILIS FALLS IN BARANGAY PALILI,
MUNICIPALITY OF SAMAL, PROVINCE OF BATAAN
AN ECOTOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as “Pilis Falls
Ecotourism Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It 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
for local communities.

SECTION 3. Pilis Falls Ecotourism Site. — Pilis Falls in Barangay Palili,
Municipality of Samal, Province of Bataan is hereby declared an ecotourism site.
Its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and

shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of
ecotourism sites.

The DOT shall prepare the development plan for Pilis Falls and shall
incorporate the same in the overall National Tourism Development Plan
(NTDP), pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism
Act of 2009”. The plan shall be implemented jointly with the Municipality of
Samal, the local Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the Bataan


National Park (BNP) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA).

The DOT, in coordination with the Municipality of Samal, the PAMB, the BNP,
the TIEZA and other appropriate agencies of the government, shall identify well
defined geographic areas within Pilis Falls ecotourism site and coordinate the
integrated development of these areas for the optimum utilization of natural
assets and attractions, as well as existing infrastructure and facilities; Provided,
That the development shall ensure the preservation of the scenery and the
historic significance of the identified tourist attractions.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of
the DOT, in consultation with the Municipality of Samal, the PAMB, the BNP,
the TIEZA and other tourism stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules
and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. 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 internally
generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 6. — 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.

SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)

days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,