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

Seventeenth Congress
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._'7852

Introduced by Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the "Batis ng Kalikasan" in the Municipality of Aguilar,
Province of Pangasinan as an ecotourism area.

“Batis ng Kalikasan" is located about 1.3kms. away from the poblacion proper. It
comprises of fourteen (14) lagoons with a depth of 5'6". The serene and calming
landscape of the lagoon is a must see for nature lovers and those who love to swim in the
clear water surrounded by unaltered trees.

Some activities that one can now do around the "Batis ng Kalikasan" aside from
swimming are zip line and mountain trekking. Road widening is now undergoing and
concrete stairs going to the lagoons are being constructed for easy access by the residents
and tourists alike,

With this bill, the "Batis ng Kalikasan" will be provided with all the amenities and
facilities. It will attract more local and foreign tourists hence, improve economic
condition of the community.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bi



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

Seventeenth Congress
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7852

Introduced by Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil

AN ACT
DECLARING THE "BATIS NG KALIKASAN" IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
AGUILAR, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN AS AN ECOTOURISM AREA AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.

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

Si

(ON i. Short Titie. - This Act shaii be known as the “Batis ng Kaiikasan
Ecotourism Act".

SEC. 2. Declars

promote a tourism industry that is ecologically si

ion of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

nable, responsible, participative,

culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for the local communities.

SEC. 3. "Batis ng Kalikasan" Ecotourism Destination.

"Batis ng Kalikasan"

in Barangay Laoag, Sitio Mapita, Munivipality of Aguilas, Province of Pangasinan is
hereby declared as an ecotourism area. Its development shall be prioritized by the
Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing

the development of af ecotourism sites.

The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority and other concerned agencies of the government shall, within six (6) months
after the approval of this Act, prepare the development plan which shall enhance tourism
in the area: Provided, that said development plan shall ensure the preservation of the
natural beauty and historical significance thereof.

SEC. 4. Development Plan. The Secretary of Tourism shall take immediate

stops to implement the said development plan and incorporate the same in the overall

tourism development program of the Department for the ensuing calendar year.


SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of Tourism shall

issue the necessary rules and regul

mis for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. The amount needed for the immediate implementation
of this Act is hereby appropriated from the funds of the National Treasury not otherwise
appropriated. Theteaficr such sum as maybe needed for the continued implementation,
operation and maintenance of the "Batis ng Kalikasan" shall be included in the annual
General Appropriation Act.

SEC. 7. Effeetiviiy. This avt shall take ffevt upon its approval.

Approved,