Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House BiLLNo. 3913

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE LAARNI LAVIN ROQUE

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 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.

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

LAARNI AVIV ROQUE
Reptasertative
4th Distt, Bukidnon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _ 3913

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE LAARNI LAVIN ROQUE

AN ACT
DECLARING SAGUMATA FALLS LOCATED AT BARANGAY LOURDES,
CITY OF VALENCIA, PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON AS AN ECOTOURISM
ZONE TO ENCOURAGE THE RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE USE AS.
WELL AS FOR THE PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF THE
NATURAL RESOURCES FOUND THEREIN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Sagumata Falls located at Barangay Lourdes, City of Valencia,
Province of Bukidnon is hereby declared as ecotourism zone.

SEC. 2. The Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with concerned
agencies of the government and local government units, shall update and consolidate
all existing tourism development plans for the area or prepare a comprehensive
ecotourism development action plan for the Sagumata Falls Ecotourism Zone
consistent with the national tourism master plan. The plan shall include the
construction, development and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure to enhance
the tourism sites: Provided, that the interventions shall ensure biophysical
conservation and cultural preservation in the area, while providing sustainable
economic opportunities for the local communities.

SEC. 3. The DOT shall incorporate the ecotourism development action plan to
the overall Philippine National Tourism Development Plan pursuant to Republic Act
No. 9593, otherwise known as the "Tourism Act of 2009" and take immediate steps to
implement the ecotourism development action plan and incorporate the same in its
tourism development program for the ensuing calendar years.

The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall also provide the necessary
technical and financial assistance for the development of tourism infrastructure and
the conduct of skills development in concerned local government units and their local


communities while endeavoring, when practicable, to promote the tourism zones both
domestically and internationally.

SEC. 4. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in
coordination with the office of the district representative of the Fourth District of
Bukidnon, shall implement the fast-tracked construction and improvement of roads,
bridges and other infrastructure necessary in the development of the area upon the
promulgation of this Act and prioritize the same in its infrastructure program.

The DOT, DPWH and Department of Transportation (DOTR) shall promote the
progressive development and aggressive spending in civil aviation, land and sea
transportation infrastructure in the area to improve accessibility and connectivity of
tourist destinations.

SEC. §. The DOT and concerned agencies and local government units shall
organize a forum by which the private sector, nongovernment organizations and other
interest groups can interact with one another and create an atmosphere that shall
encourage investment and develop a culture of tourism.

SEC. 6. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in
consultation with local concerned government units, shall promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations for its proper implementation.

‘SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,