Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5448

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Florida P. Robes

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare Kaytitinga Falls and Mount Balagbag in the
City of San Jose Del Monte Bulacan as protected areas in accordance with
Republic Act No. 7586 which provides for the establishment and
management of a “National Integrated Protected Areas System" which
shall encompass outstandingly remarkable areas and _ biologically
important public lands that are habitats of rare and endangered species of
Plants and animals, bio-geographic zones and related ecosystems,
whether terrestrial, wetland or marine, all of which shall be designated as
“protected areas."

Also, the declaration of these natural wonders as protected areas is
in “cognizant of the profound impact of man’s activities on all components
of the natural environment particularly the effect of increasing population,
resource exploitation and industrial advancement and recognizing the
critical importance of protecting and maintaining the natural biological and
physical diversities of the environment notably on areas with biologically
unique features to sustain human life and development, as well as plant
and animal life." Further, the State is mandated to secure for the Filipino
people of present and future generations the perpetual existence of all
natural resources and wealth through the establishment of a


comprehensive system of integrated protected areas as enshrined in the
Constitution.

Kaytitinga Falls , an natural attraction in the City of San Jose Del
Monte can be found in the elevated barangay of San Isidro which is
located at the easternmost part of the Clty. Consisting of a three-level
falls, its geographical setting is rich in different kinds of trees, plants and
other endemic species thrive in these areas which deserve protection and
Preservation. Also, the Dumagats, an indigenous people, live nearby,
indicating that there also exists a culture that must be protected. The
Dumagats act as protectors of the said natural habitat. Meanwhile, Mount
Balagbag, which is about 777 meters above sea level, is actually the
gateway to the falls. On top of its peak, one can experience a breathtaking
view of Metro Manila as well as the provinces of Bulacan and Rizal. This
too will boost the eco-tourism potentials of the City.

Considering the foregoing, the approval of this Proposal is earnestly
sought.

FLO! AP. ROBES


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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5448

[ Introduced by Representative Florida P. Robes ]

AN ACT DECLARING KAYTITINGA FALLS AND MOUNT BALAGBAG
IN THE CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, PROVINCE OF BULACAN AS.
A PROTECTED AREA, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND FOR

OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration Clause. Kaytitinga Falls and Mount
Balagbag, situated in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Province of Bulacan,
are hereby declared as protected areas, in accordance with Republic Act
No. 7586.

SEC. 2. Creation of a Protected Area Management Board of
San Jose Del Monte. - There is hereby created a Protected Area
Management Board of San Jose Del Monte which shall have the sole
jurisdiction, power and authority for all matters that may affect the
biodiversity, conservation, protection and sustainable development of the
Protected areas.

SEC. 3. Composition of the Board.- The Board shall be composed
of the following:

(a) The Regional Director of the DENR Region III;

(b) The City Mayor of San Jose Del Monte;

(c) The Congressional Representative of CSJDM;

(d) The Chairperson of the Committee on Environment of the
Sangguniang Panglungsod;

(e) The Barangay Chairperson where the protected areas are
located;

(f) At least two (2) representatives of non-government organizations
with environmental advocacies; and

(g) A Representative from the tribal community


SEC. 4. Powers and Functions of the Board.- The Board shall
perform the duties and functions enumerated in the implementing rules
and regulations of RA 7586. In addition, the Board shall have the following
powers and functions :

(a) Issue rules and regulations pertaining to the implementation of
the provisions of this Act, for the resolutions of conflicts relative to
the management of the protected areas and in the conduct of
business including the creation of appropriate committees;

(b) Approve development and management plans designed to
Protect, promote and preserve the areas;

(c) Establish criteria and set fees for the issuance of permits to the
conduct of activities in the protected areas;

(d) Recommend the deputation of appropriate individuals, including
local community leaders, for the enforcement of the laws, rules and
regulations governing the conduct or management of the protected
areas;

pprove fees and charges in accordance with DENR
istrative Order No. 51, series of 200, and raise funds for
protected areas;

(f) Administer all funds allocated to the protected areas and render
proper accounting;

(g) Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other
government agencies; and

(h) Such other powers and functions necessary to carry out the
intent and purpose of this Act.

SEC. 5. Protected Area Office. - To oversee that the mandate of
this Act is fully implemented, the KFMB Protected Area Office is hereby
created under the management of DENR Region III and shall be headed
by a Supervisor. The functions and structure of the Office shall be
provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary
of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the
Regional Director shall formulate and issue the necessary implementing
rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this
Act.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Environment and
Natural resources shall include in the Department's Programs the


improvement and maintenance of said protected areas, and the funding of
which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Construction and Suppletory Application of Existing
Laws. - The provisions of this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of
achieving biodiversity, conservation, protection and sustainable
development. The provisions of RA 7256, existing environmental and
forestry laws and their corresponding rules and regulations not
inconsistent thereto shall have suppletory effect in the implementation of
this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or
section of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, such other parts
not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, proclamations,
rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,