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

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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo.__ 3634

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH STO. NINO B. BERNOS,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In line with the fifth item in President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda,
which aims to “promote rural and value chain development toward increasing agricultural and rural
enterprise productivity and rural tourism”, this Bill seeks to declare Kaparkan Falls as an ecotourism
site in the Municipality of Tineg, Province of Abra.

Kaparkan Falls is unlike any other falls. Water flowing out of it in a terrain akin to the Rice

Terraces of the Cordilleras giv

ita very unusual yet majestic view of what Abra has to offer to local
and foreign tourists. Moreover, the cool water relaxes the visitors who had to travel a great distance
just to see it. Indeed, Kaparkan Falls is a glorious site to behold.

‘The glorious sight is indeed an asset that can be utilized to further improve the local economy
of the municipality. Tineg, a second-class municipality, is predominantly an agricultural municipality.
Diversifying the economic interests of the municipality by venturing into tourism will greatly help the
livelihood of the people by starting their own micro-, small-, and medium-scale enterprises related to
the newfound tourism fame of the town.

To this end, the declaration of the Kaparkan Falls as an ecotourism site will further local
economic development and will reaffirm our country’s position as a major tourist destination in the
world. In light of the said explanation, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

HON/ JOSEPH STO. NINO B. BERNOS
Represeptative
Lone District, Abra


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

CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3634

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH STO. NINO B. BERNOS

AN ACT
DECLARING THE KAPARKAN FALLS IN SITIO CAGANAYAN, MUNICIPALITY OF
TINEG, PROVINCE OF ABRA AS AN ECOTOURISM SITE, ESTABLISHING THE
KAPARKAN FALLS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, 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 the "Kaparkan Falls Ecotourism Act of 2016".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution enunciates
that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in

accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

It shall be the policy of the State to promote an ecologically-sustainable and culturally-sens

tourism industry as a tool of socioeconomic development in the country, where its participants receive

equitable benefits in accordance to the development of the sector.

Sec. 3. Kaparkan Falls Ecotourism Site. Kaparkan Falls in Sitio Caganayan in the Municipality
of Tineg, Province of Abra is hereby declared as an ecotourism site, whose geographical limits shall
be subject to study by the local government unit. 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.


See. 4. Formation of the Kaparkan Falls Development Council. A multi-sectoral council to
be known as “Kaparkan Falls Development Council” shall be created, whose members shall be
coterminous with the incumbent Mayor of the Municipality of Tineg. It shall be composed of the

following members:

a. The Mayor of the Municipality of Tineg, sitting as Chairperson;

b. The head of the Municipal Tourism Office;

¢. The head of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office;

d. Two (2) representatives from the indigenous peoples sector in the Municipality; and

e. Two (2) representatives from the private sector.

See. 5. Functions and Responsibilities of the Council. The Council shall be responsible for the

following:

a. Formulation and implementation of the Kaparkan Falls Development Plan, in consultation
with the local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders;
b. Assessment and evaluation of the potential impact of the development to the environmental
safety and well-being of the site, communities, and enterprises;
¢. Provision of technical and financial assistance to the communities within the site;
d. Formulation of rules and regulations in relation to the maintenance and security of the
ecotourism site; and
¢. Performance of other functions as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act.
Sec. 6. Annual Reports. Within sixty (60) days after the end of the fiscal year, the implementing
agency shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees with respect to the
operation of the ecotourism site. The report shall provide information on the total amount expended
during the fiscal year to carry out and achieve the purpose of this Act, including amounts expended to

publicize the availability of rewards.

Sec. 7. Implementing Ageney. The Department of Tourism shall be the agency which shall take

care of planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring this Act.


See. 8. Appropriations. The funding necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included
in the yearly budget allocation for the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources under the General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of
this act, the Department of Tourism, in coordination with the Municipality of Tineg, Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority,

shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act.

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid,

the other provisions not affected by such declaration shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. Any law, decree, ordinance or administrative circular not consistent

with any provision of this Act is hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec, 12. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication

in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,