ice
Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quejon City, Meteo Manils

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 290 _

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ALYSSA MICHAELA “MICA” M. GONZALES:

AN ACT
DECLARING MOUNT ARAYAT, BORDERING THE MUNICIPALITIES OF
ARAYAT AND MAGALANG, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA AS A TOURIST
DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Located at the heart of Kapampangan agricultural lands far and wide, the majestic Mt.
‘Arayat, dominates the picturesque scenery with its towering height of 1,030 meters above soa
fovel ‘The mountain is bordering two municipalities: the southern half lies within the
municipality of Arayat, Pampanga, while the north half lies within Magalang.

Considered as an inactive volcano, Mt Arayat’s crater has several peaks, thus suitable
for mountain hiking and nature trekking. The ‘mountain is also considered as one of the premier
hiking destinations in the country because of its dominating presence in Central Luzon, making
the view from its peaks truly breathtaking.

Aside from its natural magnificence, Mt. Arayat is also a cradie of the rich
Kapampangan folklore. This mountain is revered by locals as sacred and mystical for itis the
legendary home of Apu Sinukuan, the rival of Namalyari of Mt. Pinatubo.

Indeed, the delicate interplay with respect to the conservation of its natural resources,
preservation ofits cultural significance, and promotion of tourism and developriert calls for
aerial attention. While tourism in the area is already being encouraged by the local
government, itis undeniable that with the help from the national government, the tourism
aerertal of the area with further be hamessed. This can be done without threatening the
Panctity the mountain's natural state and without disregarding the Kapampangan cultural
beliefs and folklore.

This bill, therefore, aims to declare Mt. Arayat in the Municipalities of Arayat and
Magalang, Pampanga, as a tourist destination, mandating the Department of Tourism, in
coordination with the Department ‘of Public Works and Highways, and in in consultation with
the concerned local govemments units, to come up with a comprehensive development plan
Meetre improvement of Mi. Arayat, all areas attached tot, and all roads leading to and from it

In view of the policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically
sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, ‘economically viable, and ethically


and socially equitable for local communities, as declared in Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise
known as “The Tourism Act of 2009”, the approval of this bill is earnestly recommended.

Aone

REP. ALYSSA MICHAELA “MICA” M. GONZALES
3" District, Pampanga


TWENTIETH CONGRESS

CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. __ 290

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ALYSSA MICHAELA “MICA” M. GONZALES

AN ACT DECLARING MOUNT ARAYAT, BORDERING THE MUNICIPALITIES OF
ARAYAT AND MAGALANG, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA AS A TOURIST
DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Mount Arayat, located along the borders of the municipalities of Arayat
and Magalang, Province of Pampanga is hereby declared a tourist destination. As
such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject
to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist destinations.

SECTION 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT in coordination
with the Department of Public Works and Highways, the provincial government of
Pampanga, and the municipal governments of Arayat and Magalang, shall prepare a
tourism development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of
such appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall promote ecotourism in the area
and ensure its accessibility and the security ‘of tourists: Provided, That said
development plan shall preserve and conserve the natural beauty and resources of
the area.

SECTION 3. The DOT, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) and other concemed agencies shall take immediate steps to implement the
tourism development plan that will cater to the natural characteristics of Mount Arayat
and shall incorporate the same in its overall development plans and programs for
national implementation.

SECTION 4. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's program the
implementation ofthis Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act and from internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days form the effectivity of this Act, the Tourism
Iifrestructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Provincial Governor of
Pampanga, and the Municipal Mayors of Arayat and Magalang, shall promulgate the
Recsesary implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the proper and effective
ao eeeerrent. administration and implementation of this Act. For this purpose, they
Shall have the power and authority to create a Secretariat and Technical Working
Group (TWG) to assist them in the drafting of the IRR: Provided, That the provincial


government of Pampanga shall defray the necessary expenses of the Secretariat and
the TWG for the performance of its official functions and activities.

SECTION 6. If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is declared to be
unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions thereof which are not affected
thereby shall continue in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. All laws, decrees, executive orders and prociamations, or parts thereof
inconsistent with this Act are deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

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

Approved,