Pinsal Falls, a Tourism Destination (Pangasinan)

Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) Office of the Poetectary REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 FEB -4 P4:06 SENATE 47 S. B. No. RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING PINSAL FALLS LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN NICOLAS, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, A TOURISM DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Pinsal Falls, located in the Municipality of San Nicolas, Province of Pangasinan, is a natural attraction with significant potential as an ecotourism destination. It is situated approximately twelve (12) kilometers south of the San Roque Dam, recognized as one of the largest dams in the world. The route to Pinsal Falls passes through Agpay Nature Park, which forms an integral component of the ecotourism experience and offers visitors a glimpse of the area's rich biodiversity and forest landscape. The site provides tourists with the opportunity to traverse relatively undisturbed natural areas and enjoy scenic views away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The preservation and sustainable development of Pinsal Falls will promote environmental awareness, nature appreciation, and responsible tourism, while ensuring that ecological integrity is maintained for future generations. This measure, previously filed in the 18th and 19th Congress, seeks to formally declare Pinsal Falls as a tourism and ecotourism destination in the Municipality of San Nicolas, Province of Pangasinan. The development of the site, in coordination with the Department of Tourism, local government units, and relevant stakeholders, is expected to significantly boost the municipality's ecotourism industry, generate livelihood opportunities for local communities, and contribute to inclusive local economic development. Moreover, the declaration of Pinsal Falls as a tourism destination will provide a legal framework for the formulation and implementation of programs for its protection, maintenance, and sustainable development, including the provision of basic facilities, safety measures, and environmental conservation initiatives. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. Free h. Marca IMEER. MARCOS /

Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) Office of the secretary REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session FEB -4 P4:06 SENATE S. B. No. 1747 RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING PINSAL FALLS LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN NICOLAS, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, A TOURISM DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Pinsal Falls located in the Municipality of San Nicolas, Province of

Pangasinan, is hereby declared a tourism destination. As such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism destinations.

SEC. 2. Within six (6) months after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in

6 coordination with the of Public Works and Highways, the municipal government of 7 San Nicolas and other concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism 8 development plan that shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of 9 such appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation, conservation and optimum utilization of available assets and resources in the area.

SEC. 3. The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall take immediate

steps to implement the development plan and incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year. It shall also include Pinsal Falls in all its national, regional and local promotions programs.

SEC. 4. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's program

17 the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual

1 General Appropriations Act, and shall augment such allocation with internally 2 generated funds of the Department.

SEC. 5. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, proclamations, presidential

4 decrees and other issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are 5 hereby deemed repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the

7 Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,