Diket Falls, a Tourism Destination (Pangasinan)

Denate Dificp of the Soccertarg TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session FEB -4 P4:07 SENATE 1748 S. B. No. : RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING DIKET FALLS LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF UMINGAN, PROVINCE OF PANGASINAN, A TOURISM DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that "the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. " Diket Falls is a potential ecotourism destination located in the Municipality of Umingan, Province of Pangasinan. It is accessible through an approximately one-hour hike that leads to a scenic waterfall overlooking various sections of the Caraballo Mountain Range. The area features a verdant forest park characterized by rocky riverbeds and flowing streams, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience relatively undisturbed natural landscapes. Ecotourism in Diket Falls allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature, appreciate pristine scenery, and engage in responsible trail travel away from the pressures of urban life. The site presents strong potential for sustainable tourism development that is consistent with environmental protection, conservation efforts, and community-based livelihood opportunities for local residents. This bill therefore seeks to declare Diket Falls as an ecotourism destination in the Municipality of Umingan, Province of Pangasinan. The proper development and promotion of the area as an ecotourism site will significantly contribute to environmental preservation, promote awareness of ecological stewardship, and boost the local ecotourism industry and economy. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure earnestly sought. Imee h. Marca IMEE R. MARCOST

Sentate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FEB -4 P4:07 First Regular Session SENATE S. B. No. 1748 RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING DIKET FALLS LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF UMINGAN, 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. Diket Falls located in the Municipality of Umingan, 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 Department of Public Works and Highways, the municipal 7 government of Umingan and other concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism development plan that shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of 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 Diket Falls in all its national, regional and local promotions programs.

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

the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, and shall augment such allocation with internally generated funds of the Department.

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

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

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

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