Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1486

Introduced by Representative ANTONINO B. ROMAN IIL

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 located in 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. This bill was approved on third reading and was transmitted

to the Senate during the 18" Congress.


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

ANTONINO B. ROMAN III


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1486

Introduced by Representative ANTONINO B. ROMAN III

AN ACT
DECLARING PILIS FALLS LOCATED IN BARANGAY PALILI,
MUNICIPALITY OF SAMAL, PROVINCE OF BATAAN, AN ECOTOURISM.
SITE

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

SECTION 1. The Pilis Falls located in Barangay Palili, Municipality of Samal, Province of
Bataan, is hereby declared an ecotourism site. 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 sites.

SEC. 2 Within sixty (60) days after the approval of this Act, the municipal
government of Samal 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 municipal government of Samal.


Sec. 3. The DOT shall assist the municipal government of Samal in the
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism
capacity building. It shall also include the Pilis 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 municipal government of Samal. The DOT may augment such allocation with

internally-generated funds.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the municipal
government of Samal shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the

government, promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.

‘SEC. 6. If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the

other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees and other issuances
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or amended

accordingly.

SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.