1 
Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 3571 
Introduced by Representatives ALFEL M. BASCUG and EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
AN ACT 
DECLARING 
THE 
TUGONAN 
WATERFALLS 
LOCATED 
IN 
BARANGAY 
SAN 
LORENZO, 
MUNICIPALITY 
OF 
PROSPERIDAD, 
PROVINCE 
OF 
AGUSAN 
DEL 
SUR, 
AN 
ECOTOURISM SITE 
Explanatory Note 
This bill seeks to declare Tugonan Falls, in Barangay San Lorenzo, 
Municipality of Prosperidad, Province of Agusan del Sur as an ecotourism site.  
Tugonan Falls is a 28.86 ft high and 105.45 ft wide waterfalls situated in 
Barangay San Lorenzo, Prosperidad. The falls is 25 minutes trekking 
distance from the San Lorenzo Barangay Hall. Being situated in the midst of 
lush forest, the place is a home of various attractions such as towering trees, 
rare orchids and other wide variety of flora and fauna in which tourists can 
enjoy numerous common ecotourism related activities such as trekking, 
swimming, bird watching, picnic, camping, nature viewing and nature 
photography. The name of the falls is derived from the word “tugon” 
meaning “remind”—remind to protect the beautiful place. Truly, this 
pristine and beautiful place possesses an exotic enchantment of a jungle 
paradise which undeniably proves that it’s more fun in the Philippines. 
However, this hidden gem has been considered as a tourist attraction to 
locals but has never been publicly exposed to other tourists in the Philippines 
and the world. With the lack of needed development and promotion, the tourism 
potential of the place has been curtailed.  
August 12, 2025
1:47 pm


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Thus, in order for this gem to be developed and become a fully grown 
tourism destination, it should be declared as an ecotourism site. The development 
of Tugonan Falls into an ecotourism site will not just enhance its aesthetic value 
but will also boost local government income and create employment 
opportunities for the people of Agusan del Sur.  
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
    ALFEL M. BASCUG  
EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
1ST District, Agusan del Sur 
2nd District, Agusan del Sur 


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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 3571 
Introduced by Representatives ALFEL M. BASCUG and EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
AN ACT 
DECLARING 
THE 
TUGONAN 
WATERFALLS 
LOCATED 
IN 
BARANGAY 
SAN 
LORENZO, 
MUNICIPALITY 
OF 
PROSPERIDAD, 
PROVINCE 
OF 
AGUSAN 
DEL 
SUR, 
AN 
ECOTOURISM SITE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of 
the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1.  The Tugonan Waterfalls located in Barangay San Lorenzo, 
Municipality of Prosperidad, Province of Agusan del Sur, is hereby declared an 
ecotourism  site. As such, its development  shall  be prioritized by the 
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations 
governing the development of ecotourism sites. 
SECTION 3.   Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, 
the municipal government of Prosperidad 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 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 Prosperidad. 


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SECTION 4.  The DOT shall assist the municipal government of 
Prosperidad in the implementation of the tourism development plan by providing 
technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include the Tugonan 
Waterfalls in its national and regional promotion programs. 
 
SECTION 5.  The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be 
included in the annual budget of the municipal government of Prosperidad. The 
DOT may augment such allocation with internally-generated funds. 
 
SECTION 6.  Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the 
municipal government of Prosperidad shall, in consultation with the DOT and 
concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules and regulations to 
implement this Act. 
 
SECTION 7.  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. 
 
SECTION 8. 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. 
 
SECTION 9. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
 
 
Approved,